Unit 1: La época medieval

Medieval Period

The era in Spain spanning from the 5th to the 15th century, characterized by feudalism and the influence of the Catholic Church.

Feudalism

A socio-economic system based on land ownership and vassal relationships, central to medieval society.

Crusades

Military campaigns sanctioned by the Catholic Church, occurring between the 11th and 13th centuries, impacting society and culture.

Reconquista

The process of reclaiming territories in Spain occupied by Muslims from 711 to 1492, shaping Spanish national identity.

El Cantar de Mio Cid

The first preserved epic poem in Spanish, telling the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, reflecting feudal values.

El Libro de Buen Amor

A work by Juan Ruiz that combines didactic, satirical, and lyrical elements to explore love and morality.

Las Coplas por la muerte de su padre

A poem by Jorge Manrique reflecting on life's transience and the inevitability of death.

La Celestina

An innovative work by Fernando de Rojas marking the transition from medieval to Renaissance literature.

Courtly Love

A medieval poetic ideal that emphasizes a platonic relationship between a knight and a noble lady.

Allegory

A literary device using symbolic elements to represent abstract ideas, often found in didactic works.

Gonzalo de Berceo

The first known Spanish poet, author of religious works like Los Milagros de Nuestra Señora.

Juan Ruiz

The Archpriest of Hita who wrote El Libro de Buen Amor, blending high and popular traditions.

Don Juan Manuel

Author of El Conde Lucanor, reflecting aristocratic values and morality in his didactic works.

Jorge Manrique

Poet known for Las Coplas por la muerte de su padre, using stylistic devices for moral messaging.

Fernando de Rojas

Author of La Celestina, whose work represents a transition to more realistic literature.

Cuaderna vía

A stanza form of four Alexandrine verses with consonant rhyme (AAAA), used in medieval poetry.

Mester de clerecía

A literary technique characterized by refined language and didactic themes, often using cuaderna vía.

Mester de juglaría

A technique aimed at entertainment, using irregular verses and simple language in storytelling.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive verses or sentences for emphasis.

Oral Tradition

The practice of reciting and singing stories in public, crucial for the transmission of medieval literature.

Romance

A form of narrative poetry that often features themes of love, loss, and historical events.

El Romance de la pérdida de Alhama

An anonymous ballad that recounts the fall of Alhama during the Reconquista, emphasizing loss.

Moralism

A literary characteristic where the narrative emphasizes moral lessons or ethical behavior.

Transience of Life

A theme in literature that reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence and its inevitable end.

Cultural Exchange

The influence and sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs among different cultures, notably during the Reconquista.

Collective Identity

The shared sense of belonging to a group, informed by cultural narratives, particularly evident in medieval literature.

Historical Narrative

A form of storytelling that conveys historical events, often reflecting on their significance and impact.

Vivid Imagery

Descriptive language that paints a picture in the reader's mind, often enhancing emotional resonance.

Didactic Literature

Writing intended to teach, often presenting moral lessons through stories and allegories.

Catholic Church Influence

The strong impact of religious authority on medieval society, affecting politics, culture, and everyday life.

Heroic Narrative

A story that centers on a heroic figure and their exploits, reflecting societal values and ideals.

Dialectical Variations

Regional differences in language usage, evident in the evolution of Spanish during the medieval period.

Arabic Influence

The incorporation of Arabic vocabulary and themes into Spanish literature, due to cultural exchanges.

Romancero Viejo

A collection of anonymous ballads that reflect oral tradition and historical narratives.

Philosophy and Theology

Scholastic ideas that significantly influenced medieval Spanish literature and its moral themes.

National Identity

The sense of belonging to a nation, shaped by cultural narratives and historical experiences.

Legacy of Medieval Literature

The lasting impact of medieval literary works on later Spanish literature and cultural expressions.

Evolution of Language

The progression and changes in the Spanish language from Old Spanish to modern forms.

Literary Criticism

The analysis and interpretation of literary works, contributing to the understanding of literature and culture.

Themes of Honor and Loyalty

Central motifs in medieval literature, highlighting the importance of integrity and feudal obligations.