Overview
Unit 6 of AP Spanish Literature and Culture delves into 20th-century poetry and theater, examining the works of Spanish and Latin American poets and playwrights who pushed the boundaries of traditional literary norms and explored innovative forms and methods.
Historical Context
The 20th century saw significant social and political shifts in Spain and Latin America, which influenced authors’ works. They addressed topics like social injustice, political oppression, and cultural identity.
Alongside exploring social and political matters, 20th-century authors also experimented with new literary styles and techniques, particularly in theater and poetry, often breaking from traditional forms to express ideas in innovative ways.
A central theme in 20th-century Spanish and Latin American theater and poetry is the quest for identity. Many authors examined what it means to be Spanish or Latin American in a changing world, and how history, culture, and politics shape this identity.
Another recurring theme is the relationship between the individual and society, where authors explored issues of belonging, alienation, and social responsibility.
Required Works in Unit 6
6.1 La casa de Bernarda Alba – Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca wrote the play La casa de Bernarda Alba, which tells the story of Bernarda Alba, a wealthy, authoritarian widow who enforces strict rules on her five daughters after her second husband's death. The play explores themes of repression, desire, and the constraints placed on women in a deeply patriarchal society. Set in a small Spanish village, the drama unfolds inside Bernarda's home, where conflicts arise among the daughters as they struggle against cultural expectations and their own suppressed desires.
Temas
La dualidad del ser
La construcción del género
El sistema patriarcal
Las divisiones socioeconómicas
La asimilación y la marginación
La diversidad
El machismo
La tradición y la ruptura
La trayectoria y la transformación
El amor y el desprecio
La comunicación o falta de comunicación
La imagen pública y la imagen privada
6.2 El hombre que se convirtió en perro – Osvaldo Dragún
Osvaldo Dragún wrote the one-act play El hombre que se convirtió en perro (The Man Who Turned Into a Dog), which centers on César, a man who, facing financial hardship, chooses to take a job as a performing dog to make ends meet. The play serves as a dark and satirical commentary on how capitalism strips away humanity, highlighting the extreme measures people take to survive. It explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the loss of dignity in a society that commodifies individuals, as seen through César's transformation into a dog.
Temas
Las sociedades en contacto
Las divisiones socioeconómicas
Las relaciones familiares
Las relaciones de poder
6.3 "Prendimiento de Antoñito el Camborio en el camino de Sevilla” – Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca wrote the poem Prendimiento de Antoñito el Camborio en el camino de Sevilla, which tells the story of Antoñito el Camborio, a young gypsy who is abducted and killed while on his way to Sevilla. The poem powerfully portrays Antoñito's struggle and tragic end, illustrating the harsh and violent nature of his fate. Through vivid imagery and strong language, Lorca explores themes of exclusion, prejudice, and the destructive impact of social oppression.
Temas
Las sociedades en contacto
Las relaciones de poder
Las divisiones socioeconómicas
El individuo en su entorno
6.4 "Walking around" – Pablo Neruda
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote Walking Around, where he delves into the depths of his own existence while reflecting on the complexities of urban life. He explores themes of alienation, despair, and the loss of individuality within his surroundings, prompting the audience to question their own environments and sense of fulfillment.
Temas
6.5 “Balada de los dos abuelos” – Nicolás Guillén
Nicolás Guillén, a prominent Afro-Cuban poet, wrote the poem Balada de los dos abuelos, which pays tribute to his two grandfathers—one of African descent and the other of Spanish heritage—celebrating his multicultural roots. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic language, Guillén explores themes of racial identity, colonial history, and the resilience of the Afro-Cuban community. The poem serves as a call for unity, highlighting the interconnectedness and shared humanity of all people, regardless of their origins.
Temas
6.6 “Mujer negra” – Nancy Morejón
Cuban poet Nancy Morejón wrote the poem Mujer negra, which celebrates Black women and their strength, resilience, and contributions to society. The poem reflects on the historical and contemporary struggles faced by Black women while also highlighting their beauty and cultural richness. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Morejón explores the intersections of race, gender, and identity, urging readers to recognize and appreciate the experiences and voices of Black women.
Temas
6.7 "A Julia de Burgos” – Julia de Burgos
The poem A Julia de Burgos was written by Puerto Rican poet and activist Julia de Burgos. It emotionally honors her own persona, portraying herself as a symbol of strength, independence, and resistance. Using passionate language and powerful symbolism, de Burgos explores themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle for self-determination. The poem serves as a declaration of the poet's distinct voice.
Temas
6.8 “Peso ancestral” – Alfonsina Storni
The poem Peso ancestral was written by Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni. It addresses issues like gender roles, societal expectations, and the pressures placed on women. Storni examines the burden of traditional norms and the desire to conform, particularly for women who are expected to fulfill specific roles. The poem calls for women’s liberation from oppressive societal structures and critiques the patriarchal system using powerful imagery and reflective language. Peso ancestral is a declaration of Storni's defiance and a call for women to reclaim their independence and break free from societal constraints.
Temas
Conclusion
The unit on Teatro y poesía del siglo XX (20th-century theater and poetry) is significant because it explores how Spanish and Latin American writers responded to the vast social, political, and cultural changes of the 20th century. Through this unit, students can gain insight into how these authors used innovative techniques and styles to address the issues of identity, oppression, and the struggles of the individual in modern society. The unit also highlights the diversity of voices and perspectives within the Spanish-speaking world, allowing for a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and influences society.
Importance of the Unit:
Exploration of Social and Political Context: The unit helps students understand how 20th-century theater and poetry reflect the social and political changes in Spain and Latin America, such as the aftermath of wars, revolutions, and the effects of colonialism.
Innovative Literary Styles: It introduces students to new literary techniques and movements that broke with traditional forms, such as surrealism, existentialism, and modernism.
Themes of Identity and Oppression: The unit addresses crucial themes like racial, gender, and national identity, as well as the oppression faced by marginalized groups, which continues to resonate in contemporary society.
Cultural Diversity: By examining the works of authors from different backgrounds, the unit promotes a broader understanding of the varied cultural landscapes within the Spanish-speaking world.
Influence of Historical Events: Students learn how major historical events, such as the Spanish Civil War and Latin American revolutions, shaped the literary production of the time.
Emphasis on Human Experience: The unit encourages students to reflect on universal human experiences like the search for identity, personal freedom, and social justice.
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