Unit 6: Teatro y poesía del siglo XX

20th-century poetry and theater

Literary works that reflect the innovations and themes of identity, oppression, and social change in Spain and Latin America.

Historical Context

The backdrop of significant social and political shifts that influenced 20th-century literature.

Themes in 20th-century literature

Key ideas such as quest for identity, alienation, and relationship between individual and society.

La casa de Bernarda Alba

A play by Federico García Lorca exploring repression and desire within a patriarchal society.

Bernarda Alba

The authoritarian widow and central character in García Lorca's play, enforcing strict rules on her daughters.

Repression

The action of subduing someone or something by force; a major theme in 'La casa de Bernarda Alba'.

César

The protagonist of Osvaldo Dragún's play 'El hombre que se convirtió en perro', who loses his humanity due to capitalist pressures.

Capitalism

An economic system where individuals can own and trade capital; critiqued in 'El hombre que se convirtió en perro'.

Antoñito el Camborio

The character in Lorca's poem who faces abduction and violence, representing social oppression.

Imagery

Visually descriptive language used in poetry to evoke sensory experiences; prevalent in Lorca's works.

Walking Around

A poem by Pablo Neruda reflecting on urban life and themes of despair and alienation.

Alienation

The experience of feeling isolated and disconnected, a key theme in 'Walking Around'.

Balada de los dos abuelos

A poem by Nicolás Guillén celebrating multicultural roots and racial identity.

Multiculturalism

The coexistence of diverse cultural backgrounds, highlighted in Guillén's tribute to his grandfathers.

Mujer negra

A poem by Nancy Morejón celebrating Black women and their resilience and contributions.

Intersectionality

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and class, explored in 'Mujer negra'.

A Julia de Burgos

A poem by Julia de Burgos honoring her independence and strength as a woman.

Self-determination

The process of gaining control over one’s own life; a theme in 'A Julia de Burgos'.

Peso ancestral

A poem by Alfonsina Storni addressing gender roles and the societal pressures on women.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power, critiqued in Storni's 'Peso ancestral'.

Innovative literary styles

New techniques in literature, breaking from tradition; includes surrealism and modernism.

Social injustice

The lack of fairness in society, a recurring theme among 20th-century authors.

Cultural identity

The sense of belonging to a group, shaped by history and politics, explored in many works.

The individual vs. society

A theme examining the dynamics of belonging, alienation, and social responsibility.

La dualidad del ser

The duality of existence; a theme addressed by many 20th-century writers.

Las divisiones socioeconómicas

Socioeconomic divisions; a theme present in the works of several authors in this unit.

El machismo

A strong or aggressive masculine pride; examined in works like 'La casa de Bernarda Alba'.

Tradition vs. rupture

The conflict between established norms and new, innovative expressions in literature.

Ways of communication

Explored in literature, highlighting the importance of dialogue and understanding.

Dignity

The state of being worthy of honor; a central concept in 'El hombre que se convirtió en perro'.

Identity

The qualities, beliefs, and personality that make a person unique; a major theme in literature.

Cultural landscapes

The varied cultural backgrounds and influences present in the Spanish-speaking world.

Literary Techniques

Methods authors employ to convey themes and emotions, significant in innovative works.

Historical Events

Major occurrences, such as wars and revolutions, that influenced literary production.

Human Experience

Universal themes like identity and social justice that resonate in 20th-century literature.

Struggle for self-identity

An ongoing theme where authors reflect on personal and collective identities.

Social responsibility

The obligation to act for the benefit of society at large, explored in various plays and poems.

Resistance

The act of standing firm against oppression and injustice, a recurrent theme in literature.

Influence of colonialism

The impact of colonial histories on literary works, significant for understanding cultural contexts.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement focusing on individual existence and freedom, relevant to many literary works.

Surrealism

A movement that seeks to express the unconscious mind, often breaking reality's boundaries.

Modernism

A broad movement in literature that embraces novel forms and techniques.