Cultural References to Know for AP Spanish Literature

Cultural references in AP Spanish Literature highlight key historical events and movements that shaped Spanish and Latin American identity. Understanding these influences, from the Golden Age to modernism, enriches our appreciation of the literature and its themes.

1. El Siglo de Oro (Golden Age of Spanish literature)

   • Period of flourishing in arts and literature from the late 15th to the 17th century.
   • Notable figures include Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Calderón de la Barca.
   • Marked by the emergence of new literary forms such as the novel and the comedia.

2. La Reconquista

   • A centuries-long series of battles by Christian states to reclaim territory from Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
   • Culminated in 1492 with the capture of Granada.
   • Significant for shaping Spanish national identity and cultural unity.

3. El Descubrimiento de América (Discovery of the Americas)

   • Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492 led to European awareness of the American continents.
   • Initiated extensive exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the New World.
   • Had profound effects on global trade, culture, and indigenous populations.

4. La Inquisición Española

   • Established in 1478 to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain.
   • Targeted converted Jews, Muslims, and other groups deemed heretical.
   • Influenced literature by instilling themes of fear, persecution, and identity.

5. El Barroco

   • Artistic and literary movement in the 17th century characterized by complexity and ornamentation.
   • Key authors include Luis de Góngora and Francisco de Quevedo.
   • Explored themes of disillusionment, existentialism, and the contrast between reality and illusion.

6. El Romanticismo

   • A literary and artistic movement in the 19th century emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature.
   • Reacted against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of neoclassicism.
   • Prominent figures include Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and José de Espronceda.

7. La Generación del 98

   • A group of Spanish writers and intellectuals who emerged after the Spanish-American War (1898).
   • Focused on themes of national identity, existential despair, and social critique.
   • Key figures include Miguel de Unamuno and Antonio Machado.

8. La Guerra Civil Española

   • A conflict from 1936 to 1939 between Republicans and Nationalists led by Francisco Franco.
   • Resulted in significant loss of life and cultural repression.
   • Influenced literature through themes of conflict, loss, and the struggle for identity.

9. El Boom Latinoamericano

   • A literary phenomenon in the 1960s and 1970s featuring a surge of Latin American authors gaining international recognition.
   • Notable writers include Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Mario Vargas Llosa.
   • Explored themes of identity, politics, and magical realism.

10. El Realismo Mágico

    • A narrative style that blends magical elements with realistic settings and events.
    • Prominent in Latin American literature, particularly in the works of Gabriel García Márquez.
    • Reflects cultural and social realities while incorporating fantastical elements.

11. La Revolución Mexicana

    • A major armed struggle from 1910 to 1920 aimed at overthrowing the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.
    • Led to significant social, political, and cultural changes in Mexico.
    • Influenced literature by inspiring themes of social justice and national identity.

12. El Modernismo

    • A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms.
    • Key figures include Rubén Darío and José Martí.
    • Focused on aestheticism, symbolism, and the exploration of new themes.

13. La Conquista y colonización de América

    • Refers to the Spanish conquest of indigenous civilizations in the Americas during the 16th century.
    • Led to the establishment of Spanish colonies and significant cultural exchange.
    • Resulted in the dramatic transformation of indigenous societies and landscapes.

14. El Franquismo

    • The authoritarian regime established by Francisco Franco after the Spanish Civil War (1939-1975).
    • Marked by repression of dissent, censorship, and promotion of a singular national identity.
    • Influenced literature through themes of oppression, exile, and resistance.

15. Las culturas precolombinas (Azteca, Maya, Inca)

    • Advanced civilizations with rich cultural, artistic, and scientific achievements prior to European contact.
    • The Aztecs are known for their monumental architecture and complex social structures.
    • The Maya excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and writing, while the Inca developed extensive road systems and agricultural techniques.