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Characterized by expressions of individuality, popularismo, criticism, stoicism, humor, piety, and dignity, the literature of Spain spans ten centuries, includes some of history's most significant writers, and contains landmark works of every major literary genre. This program provides an overview of Iberian history as it relates to Spanish literature. The formation of regional tongues and their importance in the cultural life of Spain are discussed,...
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Español
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El Cid is unique among the world's great epics because it was composed so close to the actual historical events (a mere 40 years after the death of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, el Cid himself) that we can distinguish between man and legend. Meticulous attention to historical detail, spectacular cinematic production values, and the swashbuckling plot itself make this medieval epic superbly entertaining as well as educational.
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Español
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During the 17th century, Spain witnessed a flowering of letters that was nourished by religious zeal, epic adventures, and a new sense of realism. In this program, leading scholars provide insights into the writings and personalities of Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and other giants of Spanish literature. Dramatic readings include excerpts from Cervantes' Don Quijote and Los Trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, Vega's Fuenteovejuna, Tirso de Molina's...
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Español
Description
At the onset of Spain's Golden Age, the genres of pastoral fiction and mystic poetry attained their fullest expression while the picaresque story made its bracing debut. In this program, respected authorities scrutinize the lives and works of those who paved the way for Cervantes, Vega, and Góngora. Dramatic readings include excerpts from the anonymously written Lazarillo de Tormes, Mateo Alemán's Guzmán de Alfarache, Jorge Montemayor's Los...
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Español
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Despite the political and economic chaos of the 19th century - or perhaps because of it - this period produced brilliant literature while setting the stage for the Generation of '98. In this program, respected authorities elaborate on the lives and works of the masters of Romanticism and Realism. Dramatic readings include excerpts from José Espronceda's Canción del Pirata, José Zorrilla's Romances Históricos, and Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer's...
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Español
Description
The 18th century in Spain was less a period of literary achievement than a time of intellectual ferment, as the Bourbon monarchs attempted sweeping social and cultural reforms. In this program, renowned experts put into perspective the writings of those who kept the flame of literature alight during the Age of Reason. Dramatic readings include excerpts from Torres Villarroel's El Censor, Benito Jerónimo Feijóo's "Fábula de las Batuecas y Países...
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Español
Description
Despite the dampening effects of the Inquisition and the Counter-Reformation, the Renaissance gave a powerful impetus to learning and experimentation - and in the process ensconced Castilian as the language of choice for both poetry and prose. In this program, renowned experts place the masters of the Renaissance within the context of their times. Dramatic readings include excerpts from Fernando de Rojas's La Celestina, Juan Alfonso de Baena's Cancionero...
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Español
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Sifting through questions surrounding oppression and terrorism, Spanish essayist and philosopher Fernando Savater has often analyzed religious dogma-studying those who promote it and those who oppose it. This program documents Savater's views on the social and intellectual wellsprings of terrorism and militant fundamentalism, as well as the eternal conflict between science and religion. The author of Ethics for Amador and The Task of the Hero examines...
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Español
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The 13th and 14th centuries saw a remarkable cultural flowering under Alfonso X and the appearance of Spain's first important literary achievements. In this program, leading scholars compare and contrast the writings of the masters of the late Middle Ages, whose works gave rise to some of Spain's most memorable heroes. Dramatic readings include excerpts from the anonymously written Cantar de Mio Cid, Alfonso el Sabio's Cantigas de Santa María and...
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Español
Description
The writings of Carlos Fuentes-a Mexican novelist and playwright who combines a deep awareness of history and national identity with experimental narrative techniques to develop his themes-have had a powerful effect on contemporary Latin American literature. In this program, Fuentes, the son of a diplomat, discusses subjects such as the influence of politics on his life, his deep feelings for Mexico, and his writing career, which has brought him international...
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Español
Description
Novelist and short-story writer Julio Cortazar was a master of experimental literature. In this program, Cortazar's preoccupation with 20th-century life and his rejection of its values is placed in historical context and examined as a theme in his works. In particular his masterpiece, Rayuela, is examined. Archival material and interviews with contemporaries bring to life the times that shaped Cortazar's oeuvre and ensured its enduring legacy.
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Español
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Marcela Serrano's first novel won the Literary Prize in Santiago and her second book won the Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz prize, awarded to the best Hispano-American novel written by a woman. In this program, Marcela Serrano-clearly on the upward path to international renown-assesses the diverse concerns that have influenced her life and her work, including the elimination of apartheid and the importance of creating genuine and loving relationships.
14) Harto de Borges
Language
English
Description
Borges is fed up-with Borges. He repeatedly changed his writing style to get free of him, yet always felt fated, in the end, to be associated with his literary alter ego. This impressionistic program creatively blends archival footage, interviews, film clips, and artwork in an effort to pin down the man behind the mythic persona. Contemporaries Ariel Dorfman, Mempo Giardinelli, Martin Caparros, Luis Sepulveda, and Diego Curubeto, plus the late Borges...
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Español
Description
With compelling dramatizations filmed at authentic Spanish locations, this program explores the farcical structure of Don Quixote as well as the parallels between Cervantes' magnum opus and his own unusual life. Studying the richness of meaning and moral commentary associated with the would-be knight-errant, the program highlights the universality of Cervantes' narrative-while evoking contrasts with our own age and its vastly different take on idealism,...
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Español
Description
Published in 1554, The Life of Lazarillo of Tormes introduced a new genre of writing, the picaresque. This classic, award-winning adaptation of the anonymous masterpiece tells the story of the young and constantly hungry protagonist, Lazaro, whose worldly education on the road through a series of masters presents a sly, often comical critique of 16th-century Spain.
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Español
Description
This program brings together contemporary Mexican poets Eduardo Langagne, Javier Sicilia, and Ricardo Castillo for a meditative discussion on the creation of the poetic image. The artists address the ways they are inspired and how an almost mystical transformation of reality occurs through poetic representation. Engaging visuals and computer animation complement the readings and commentary of the poets.
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Español
Description
This classic production is based on Emilia Pardo Bazan's two most famous novels: Los pazos de Ulloa and its sequel, La madre naturaleza. Straddling the border between Naturalism and Realism, these works illustrate the decay of feudalism in 19th-century Galicia, as depictions of the beautiful countryside are contrasted with the spreading decadence of the humans inhabiting it. Sordid episodes of drunkenness, adultery, and incest are balanced by the...
20) La Celestina
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Español
Description
This vintage dramatization of La Celestina-arguably the most influential work of the early Renaissance in Spain-places the spotlight squarely on Celestina, an old bawd who dominates the story's action. Recruited by Calisto to help him seduce a young woman named Melibea, she becomes the center of a plot that begins in comedy and ends in tragedy. Attributed to Fernando de Rojas, La Celestina is remarkable for its originality, depth, handling of dialogue,...