spanish lit test 1

True/False - Spanish literature begins with The Poem of Mio Cid / Poema de mio Cid

False. An earlier example of Spanish literature is Las Jarchas.

True/False - Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, the protagonist of The Poem of Mio Cid / Poema de mio Cid was a real person

True.

Castilian

the dialect of Spanish spoken in Castile, Spain. The term also refers to someone who is a native of Castile, Spain

Didactic literature

the type of literature that is meant to instruct or teach something

Epic poem

refers to songs about heroic deeds sung by medieval minstrels at court and in public squares

Exemplum

a short story, narrative, anecdote, or tale that is used in literature to explain moral reasoning. In other words, it is a story used to illustrate an ethical point

Las jarchas

a short fragmentary poem written in the Mozarabic dialect (archaic dialect of Spanish spoken in those parts of Spain under Arab occupation from the early 8^th century until about 1300) and added to the end of poems in Arabic or Hebrew. These lyric compositions that generally express the pain of a loved one’s absence are the earliest known examples of poetry written in a romance language from the Iberian Peninsula.

Mester de clerecia

a poetic mode in Castilian or Spanish literature known for its scholarship and written form

Mester de juglaria

popular poetic mode in Castilian or Spanish literature that was developed by Spanish minstrels

Middle Ages

in the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late V to the late XV. This time was known for economic and territorial expansion, demographic and urban growth, the emergence of national identity, and the restructuring of secular (non-religious) and ecclesiastical (religious) institutions

Minstrel (juglar)

a medieval singer or musician, especially one who sang or recited lyric or heroic poetry

Prose

in writing, prose is a style used that does not follow a structure or rhyming or meter. Prose follows a grammatical structure using words to compose phrases that are arranged into sentences and paragraphs. It is used to directly communicate concepts, ideas, and stories to a reader

Vernacular

the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region. “Y’all” is an example of this in southern states of the United States.

Identification -   “In they chosen life’s adventure, steadfastly pursue the cause/Neither moved by the critic’s censure, nor the multitudes applause.”

Gonzalo de Berceo, The Miracles of Our Lady/Los Milagros de Nuestra Señora. This quotation reflects Berceo’s didactic purpose. It encourages moral perseverance and faith, reinforcing the idea that individuals should remain virtuous and loyal to religious values regardless of public opinion. This aligns with Berceo’s goal of instructing believers through literature.

Identification - “God, what a noble vassal, if only he had a worthy lord.”

The Poem of the Cid/El Poema del Cid. This famous line highlights the central conflict of the poem: El Cid’s honor and loyalty contrasted with the injustice of his exile. It emphasizes El Cid’s nobility and virtue while criticizing the king, reinforcing the epic’s themes of honor, loyalty, and reputation.

Essay option. a.     How is the character of El Cid being created in The Poem of the Cid/El Poema del Cid?

In The Poem of the Cid, the character of El Cid is created as an ideal medieval hero who embodies honor, loyalty, and perseverance. Despite being unjustly exiled by King Alfonso, El Cid remains faithful to his lord and never openly rebels against royal authority. His actions demonstrate his moral integrity, especially in how he provides for his family and treats both allies and enemies with respect. El Cid’s military success is portrayed as a result of his bravery, intelligence, and leadership rather than arrogance. The poem also emphasizes his humanity by showing his emotional moments, such as his sorrow when leaving his family behind. His generosity toward his men further reinforces his role as a model leader. Through these qualities, El Cid is presented as a noble vassal whose honor is earned through actions, making him an enduring symbol of medieval Spanish ideals.