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All Subjects AP Spanish Literature Unit 3 – El siglo XVII Unit 3 Overview: El Siglo XVII

Unit 3 Overview: El Siglo XVII

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4 MIN READ • JUNE 13, 2023
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A Alejandra Ramos

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Unit 3 is such a fun and quirky unit because of the characteristics of the literature pieces and how fun some pieces are. This unit
includes feminist remarks, patriotic pieces, journeys, and a lot of content that you have to be very familiar with to be fully prepared
for the AP test.

El siglo XVII
The "Golden Age" of Spanish literature in the 17th century produced notable works in a variety of disciplines. The theater was
dominated by Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca, while poetry was dominated by Góngora and Quevedo. "Don Quixote" by
Cervantes became a ground-breaking book. Essays, biographies, and historical treatises also became more popular during this
century, with renowned authors including Gracián. Overall, the era left a significant mark on Spanish literature.

Practically every single tema that College Board recommends organizing these literature pieces is covered in this unit due to the
unique characteristics of each piece.

Required Literature Pieces in Unit 3

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.

3.1 Soneto CLXVI, “Mientras por competir con tu cabello” – Luis de Góngora

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Quick Intro

This sonnet is written by famed Spanish Golden Age poet Luis de Góngora. The speaker's adoration for a woman's attractiveness,
particularly her hair, is explored in the poem. It uses rich metaphors and terminology that is typical of Góngora's baroque
approach. The poem's central themes are the fleeting nature of beauty and the capacity of love to endure the passage of time.

Temas to Look Out For

El tiempo y el espacio

El carpe diem y el memento mori

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 El amor y el desprecio

La trayectoria y la transformación

3.2 Salmo XVII, “Miré los muros de la patria mía” – Francisco de Quevedo

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Quick Intro

This is original poetry from a significant poet of the Spanish Golden Age, Francisco de Quevedo. The speaker examines the
deterioration and disintegration of his own Spain in this profoundly introspective and reflective essay. The poem focuses on the
speaker's emotional connection to his nation and his mourning over its current status as it addresses themes of nostalgia,
patriotism, and the passing of time.

Temas to Look Out For

El tiempo y el espacio

El carpe diem y el memento mori

La trayectoria y la transformación

La introspección

3.3 "Hombres necios que acusáis" – Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

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Quick Intro

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 This required text is a famous poem written during the Spanish Baroque era by the talented Mexican author Sor Juana Inés de la
Cruz. The poem criticizes men's hypocrisy and double standards when they hold women accountable for their own flaws and
wants. It highlights women's intelligence and ability while criticizing the societal demands put on them. The poem's key themes
include gender inequity, social injustice, and male and female power relationships.

Temas to Look Out For

La construcción del género

El machismo

El sistema patriarcal

3.4 Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes

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Quick Intro

This book by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra is regarded as one of the best pieces of literature in the Western world. The plot
centers on the exploits of idealistic and naive knight-errant Don Quixote and his obedient companion Sancho Panza. A satirical
investigation of chivalry, the difference between truth and illusion, and the capacity of the imagination. A profound commentary
on human nature and the search for meaning is provided by the novel's exploration of subjects such as heroism, lunacy, and the
essence of storytelling.

Temas to Look Out For

La dualidad del ser

La construcción de la realidad

La imagen pública y la imagen privada

El ser y la creación literaria

La creación literaria

Las sociedades en contacto

Las divisiones socioeconómicas

El individuo en su entorno

La intertextualidad

El proceso creativo

3.5 "El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra" – Tirso de Molina

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 Image Courtesy of Montalban Digital

Quick Intro

"El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra" was written by Tirso de Molina. The notorious Don Juan, a womanizer and seducer,
is introduced in the play. It examines morality, dishonesty, and the effects of one's conduct as central themes. The play explores
the ideas of honor and revenge while criticizing the libertinism and arrogance of its protagonist.

Temas to Look Out For

La construcción del género

El machismo

La sexualidad

Las relaciones sociales

El amor y el desprecio

El individuo y la comunidad

El carpe diem y el memento mori

La espiritualidad y la religión

Las relaciones de poder

Navigating This Unit

This unit has a lot of information and has a lot of material to remember! It is strongly recommended to not cram each literature
piece into one day but rather, break down each one over a couple of days.

Since this unit is also larger in comparison to others, it is also in your best interest to make connections with these literature pieces
to as many as possible. Good luck!

Key Terms to Review (16)

Calderón de la Barca: Calderón de la Barca was a Spanish playwright who lived during the 17th century, overlapping with the Siglo de Oro. His plays
are known for their poetic language, philosophical depth, and exploration of complex themes such as honor, fate, and illusion versus reality.

Cervantes: Miguel de Cervantes was a Spanish writer and author of the famous novel "Don Quixote." He is considered one of the greatest writers in
the Spanish language.

Chivalry: Chivalry refers to the medieval code of conduct followed by knights, which emphasized honor, bravery, loyalty, and respect towards women.

Don Juan: Don Juan refers to a legendary character known for his seductive nature and numerous romantic conquests. He is often portrayed as a
charming and irresistible womanizer.

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 Don Quijote: Don Quijote refers to the iconic novel written by Miguel de Cervantes. It tells the story of a delusional knight who sets out on absurd
adventures, challenging societal norms and exploring themes of reality versus illusion.

Góngora: Góngora refers to the style of writing associated with the Spanish poet Luis de Góngora. It is characterized by its complex and elaborate
language, abundant use of metaphors, and intricate wordplay.

Gracián: Baltasar Gracián y Morales was a Spanish philosopher and writer known for his book "The Art of Worldly Wisdom." He provided practical
advice on how to navigate social situations and achieve success.

Knight-Errant: A knight-errant refers to a medieval knight who travels on adventures seeking opportunities for heroic deeds and chivalrous acts.

Lope de Vega: Lope de Vega was a prolific Spanish playwright who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Known for his ability to write
quickly, he produced over 1,500 plays in various genres, including comedies, tragedies, and historical dramas.

Mientras por competir con tu cabello: This sonnet, written by Luis de Góngora, is a prime example of Baroque poetry. It explores the theme of
unrequited love and uses complex metaphors and elaborate language.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish writer and author of the famous novel "Don Quixote." He is considered
one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.

Miré los muros de la patria mía: This term refers to a poem written by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, in which she reflects on the limitations and
restrictions placed upon women in society.

Quevedo: Quevedo refers to Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas, one of Spain's most prominent poets from the Golden Age. His writing style is known
for its satirical tone, sharp wit, and critical commentary on society.

Sancho Panza: Sancho Panza is a fictional character in "Don Quixote" who serves as Don Quixote's loyal squire. He provides comic relief through his
down-to-earth personality.

Siglo de Oro: The Siglo de Oro, or Golden Age, refers to a period of flourishing in Spanish literature and arts during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was
characterized by an abundance of literary masterpieces and significant cultural achievements.

Soneto CLXVI: Soneto CLXVI (Sonnet 166) is a poem written by Luis de Góngora. It is known for its complex language and use of metaphors,
representing the style of the Baroque period.

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