Unit 5 is one of the "awkward" units, where it is really a bridge between two different types of literature pieces with their own unique messages. There’s religion, mystery, self-reflection, and so much more in this unit. As you interpret the pieces, be cautious to not focus too much on the details but rather, focus on what role each piece plays in the grand scheme of things.
Historical Context of Unit 5
Two literary movements that appeared in Spain towards the close of the 19th and the start of the 20th centuries were the Generation of '98 and Modernism.
The Generation of '98 was distinguished by its concern for Spain's social and political issues as well as its identity crisis, whereas Modernism stood out for its avant-garde aesthetics and pursuit of beauty and exoticism. Both literary movements left a significant literary legacy in Spanish literature, including works by well-known authors like Rubén Daro and Juan Ramón Jiménez in modernism and Miguel de Unamuno and Antonio Machado in the Generation of '98.
The Generation of '98 and the Modernismo movement are significant literary movements that marked a shift in Spanish and Latin American literature. The writers of the Generation of '98 were deeply affected by the political and social upheavals of the time, including Spain's loss of its colonies and the decline of the country's empire. These writers sought to redefine Spanish identity by exploring the country's cultural heritage and traditions, and they emphasized the importance of individualism and freedom of expression.
In contrast, the Modernismo movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, was characterized by a focus on language, form, and aesthetics. Writers such as Darío and Martí sought to break away from traditional literary styles and create a new form of literary expression. Modernismo was characterized by its use of vivid imagery, musical language, and experimentation with form and structure.
Required Literature Pieces in Unit 5
Below are summaries of all required texts for this unit in AP Spanish Literature! Be sure to click each heading to be sent to that respective guide and learn more about these pieces of literature.
5.1 San Manuel Bueno, mártir – Miguel de Unamuno
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Summary
The novella "San Manuel Bueno, mártir" is a story written by Miguel de Unamuno. San Manuel Bueno, the priest at the center of the narrative, is revered and adored by the locals for his selfless deeds of generosity and spirituality. However, the viewpoint of a young guy who grows close to him sheds light on the truth of his internal conflict and loss of faith. In this stimulating literary work, Unamuno examines the concepts of faith, doubt, and the complexity of human existence.
Temas to Lookout For
La dualidad del ser
La espiritualidad y la religión
La imagen pública y la imagen privada
La introspección
El tiempo lineal y el tiempo circular
La naturaleza y el ambiente
La asimilación y la marginación
5.2 "He andado muchos caminos" – Antonio Machado
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Summary
The poem "He andado muchos caminos" was written by Antonio Machado. Machado expresses a sense of tiredness and reflection as he thinks about his lifepath. He thinks about the pathways he has taken, the people he has encountered, and the lessons he has learned along the way through vivid imagery and thoughtful lines. Heultimately presents an emotional reflection on the limitedexistence one has.
Temas to Lookout For
Las relaciones interpersonales
El individuo y la comunidad
La amistad y la hostilidad
5.3 “Nuestra America” – José Martí
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Summary
The essay "Nuestra América" was written by José Marti, a Cuban writer and independence activist. Marti fiercely defends the unity and independence of the countries in Latin America in this popular essay. He urges a common identity and an alliance in the fight against the dominance of foreign powers. Marti stresses the necessity of intellectual and cultural growth, advising his fellow Latin Americans to embrace their own culture, traditions, and history.
Temas to Lookout For
Las sociedades en contacto
El imperialismo
El nacionalismo y el regionalismo
5.4 “A Roosevelt” – Rubén Darío
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Summary
The poem "A Roosevelt" was written by Nicaraguan author Rubén Daro. The poem is a critique of Theodore Roosevelt's interventionist and imperialist actions in Latin America. Daro approaches Roosevelt personally, expressing his disgust with the American government's damaging actions in the area. The poem serves as a stinging critique of American imperialism and a plea for Latin American solidarity in the face of foreign intervention through vivid imagery and strong rhetoric.
Temas to Lookout For
Las sociedades en contacto
El imperialismo
El nacionalismo y el regionalismo
5.5 “El hijo” – Horacio Quiroga
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Summary
Horacio Quiroga, a novelist from Uruguay, wrote the short story "El hijo" (The Son). The father and son at the center of the story are inhabitants of Argentina's Misiones jungle, a harsh environment. With themes of loneliness, psychosis, and the innate savagery of nature, the novel dives into the tense interaction between the two characters. The eerie atmosphere created by Quiroga's detailed imagery and psychological understanding reflects the grim and fatalistic mood that infuses much of his writing.
Temas to Lookout For
- Las relaciones interpersonales
- Las relaciones familiares
- La construcción de la realidad
How to Navigate This Unit
Enjoy it! This unit really has a little bit of everything which is why at times it will seem overwhelming. This is probably one of the heaviest units not just because of the content but because you are also at the halfway mark. Although there will be some hiccups, this unit really does have something for everyone (:
A Roosevelt: "A Roosevelt" is a poem written by Rubén Darío as a response to Theodore Roosevelt's interventionist policies in Latin America. The poem criticizes American imperialism while expressing pride in Latin American culture.
Antonio Machado: Antonio Machado was a Spanish poet and playwright who is known for his introspective and philosophical poetry. His works often explore themes of love, nature, and the passage of time.
El hijo: "El hijo" is a short story written by the Uruguayan author Horacio Quiroga. It tells the tragic tale of a father and son who live in the jungle, highlighting themes of isolation, nature's indifference, and the destructive power of human emotions.
Generation of '98: The Generation of '98 refers to a group of Spanish writers and intellectuals who were deeply affected by the loss of Spain's colonies in the Spanish-American War. They expressed their disillusionment with Spain's political and social situation through their literary works.
Horacio Quiroga: Horacio Quiroga was an influential Uruguayan writer known for his mastery of the short story genre. His works often explored themes of nature, madness, and the human psyche.
José Martí: José Martí was a Cuban poet, essayist, and journalist who played a crucial role in the fight for Cuban independence from Spain. His writings emphasized the importance of freedom, justice, and equality.
Juan Ramón Jiménez: Juan Ramón Jiménez was a Spanish poet and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. His poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty, introspection, and exploration of themes such as love, nature, and spirituality.
Miguel de Unamuno: Miguel de Unamuno was a Spanish writer and philosopher who played a significant role in the intellectual landscape of Spain during the early 20th century. He is known for his existentialist philosophy and his exploration of human emotions and conflicts in his literary works.
Modernismo: Modernismo is a literary movement that originated in Latin America at the end of the 19th century. It is characterized by its use of rich imagery, musical language, and exploration of exotic themes.
Rubén Darío: Rubén Darío was a Nicaraguan poet who is considered one of the founders of modernismo, an influential literary movement in Latin America. His poetry is characterized by its musicality, rich imagery, and exploration of exotic themes.
San Manuel Bueno, mártir: A novella written by Miguel de Unamuno that explores the themes of faith, doubt, and the meaning of life through the story of a priest named San Manuel Bueno.
