The 19th century brought tumultuous political change to Central and South America. This program shows how the cultural crucible of the region fused and realigned aesthetic movements considered sacrosanct in Europe-specifically, Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism. In an eclectic matching game that became typical of Latin American literature, Realist and historical novels existed cheek-and-jowl with Romantic poetry, Romantic novels competed with the anecdotes of Ricardo Palma, and newspaper serials vied for attention with costumbrismo-a genre that depicted everyday manners and customs. Jicotencal, Jorge Isaacs' Maria, and Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda's Guatimozin, Last Emperor of Mexico are among the works discussed.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on Oct. 20, 2007. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Aesthetic Movements and Literature in 19th Century Latin America (2:14) -- Latin American Literature: The Novel and Nationhood (2:57) -- Latin American Literature: The Sentimental Novel (3:38) -- Latin American Literature: Historical Novels and National Identity (4:44) -- Latin American Literature: "Cumanda" (2:40) -- Latin American Literature: "Juan de la Rosa" (2:04) -- Latin American Literature: "Enriquillo" (1:29) -- Latin American Authors: Ricardo Palma (3:14) -- Latin American Political Novels: "Amalia" (3:44) -- Latin American Political Novels: "The Slaughterhouse" (4:20) -- Latin American Literature: Romantic Poetry (3:02) -- Latin American Literature: Gaucho Poetry (2:42) -- Latin American Literature: "Martin Fiero" (2:41) -- Realism in Latin American Literature (4:47) -- Latin American Literature: "Santa" (1:35) -- Naturalism in Latin American Literature (3:02).