Unit 6 Overview: Teatro y poesía del siglo XX

4 min read•march 13, 2023

Sylvia Rodriguez

AP Spanish Literature 💃🏽

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AP Spanish Literature and Culture Unit 6 focuses on 20th century poetry and theater. This unit explores the works of various Spanish and Latin American poets and playwrights who challenged traditional literary conventions and experimented with new forms and techniques.

Required Works

"La casa de Bernarda Alba" by Federico García Lorca: This play explores themes of gender roles, repression, and societal expectations through the story of a matriarchal household in rural Andalusia.
"Peso ancestral" by Alfonsina Storni: This poem deals with the themes of female oppression and the search for identity through the metaphor of a woman carrying the weight of her ancestors on her back.
"Balada de los dos abuelos" by Nicolás Guillén: This poem explores the complex relationship between race, identity, and history through the story of the poet's two grandfathers - one white and one black.
"El hombre que se convirtió en perro" by Osvaldo Dragún: This play uses surrealism and satire to comment on the dehumanizing effects of modern industrial society on the individual.

Historical Context:

The 20th century was a time of great social and political change in Spain and Latin America. Authors of this time period often drew upon these changes in their works, addressing issues such as social injustice, political oppression, and cultural identity.

In addition to addressing social and political issues, 20th-century Spanish and Latin American authors also experimented with new literary styles and techniques. This experimentation is particularly evident in the theater and poetry of the time, which often broke from traditional forms and explored new ways of expression.

One major theme in 20th-century Spanish and Latin American theater and poetry is the search for identity. Many authors explored what it means to be Spanish or Latin American in a rapidly changing world, and how this identity is shaped by history, culture, and politics. Another common theme is the relationship between the individual and society, as authors grappled with questions of belonging, alienation, and social responsibility.

In terms of literary elements, authors of this time period often used symbolism, surrealism, and other avant-garde techniques to express their ideas and emotions. They also experimented with form and structure, breaking free from traditional rules of meter and rhyme in poetry and creating new forms of drama that challenged conventional notions of plot and character.

Some of the most influential authors and works from this time period include Federico García Lorca's play "La casa de Bernarda Alba" and his poetry collection "Romancero gitano," Pablo Neruda's "Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada," and Octavio Paz's essay "El laberinto de la soledad." These works continue to be studied and analyzed for their contributions to Spanish and Latin American literature, and their relevance to contemporary issues and debates.

Overview:

Unit 6 features a variety of works, including poetry and theater. Students will analyze themes such as identity, love, death, and social and political issues. They will also examine literary techniques such as symbolism, surrealism, and magical realism.

Additionally, the works in this unit also examine the human condition and its complexities, including the struggle for love, the loss of innocence, and the quest for purpose and meaning in life. These themes are often explored through the use of literary devices such as symbolism, metaphor, and allegory.

In this unit, students will analyze a selection of plays and poems from Spanish and Latin American authors of the 20th century, including Federico García Lorca, Pablo Neruda, Octavio Paz, and Gabriel García Márquez. Through close reading and critical analysis of these works, students will gain an understanding of the historical and cultural context in which they were written, as well as the author's intention and message.

Students will also be challenged to make connections between the works studied and their own experiences and perspectives. Through class discussions, group activities, and writing assignments, students will develop their analytical and interpretive skills, as well as their ability to express their ideas clearly and persuasively in both oral and written formats.

The ultimate goal of this unit is for students to gain a deeper appreciation for the power of literature as a tool for understanding the world and the human experience. By engaging with these works and reflecting on their own lives, students will develop a greater sense of empathy and critical thinking skills that they can apply to their own lives and future academic pursuits.

The works studied in this unit continue to be relevant today, as they explore universal themes and issues that are still present in modern society. Additionally, the literary techniques and experimental forms used by these authors have had a lasting impact on the literary world and continue to influence contemporary writers.

Browse Study Guides By Unit

🏇Unit 1 – La época medieval

🛳Unit 2 – El siglo XVI

🖌Unit 3 – El siglo XVII

🎨Unit 4 – La literatura romántica, realista y naturalista

🤺Unit 5 – La Generación del 98 y el Modernismo

🎭Unit 6 – Teatro y poesía del siglo XX

6.0Unit 6 Overview: Teatro y poesía del siglo XX

6.1 La casa de Bernarda Alba – Federico García Lorca

6.2El hombre que se convirtió en perro – Osvaldo Dragún

6.3"Prendimiento de Antoñito el Camborio en el camino de Sevilla” – Federico García Lorca

6.5“Balada de los dos abuelos” – Nicolás Guillén