José Zorrilla
Recuerdos Del Tiempo Viejo
"Recuerdos Del Tiempo Viejo" by José Zorrilla is a collection of personal memories and reflections written in the late 19th century. The text offers an intimate exploration of the author's life, particularly highlighting his rise in the literary world and the personal challenges he faced, including the loss of family and shifts in social status. Zorrilla, a prominent Spanish poet known for his works like "Don Juan Tenorio," serves as the primary figure in this narrative, detailing both his past and the evolution of Spanish literature. The opening of the work presents a poignant recollection of a significant moment in Zorrilla's life—the funeral of fellow writer Larra, which commemorates a transition in the Spanish literary landscape. Through vibrant imagery, Zorrilla infuses his memories with emotion as he describes reading poetry at Larra's grave, marking this event as a pivotal moment for his own identity as a poet. The narrative unfolds with reflections on Zorrilla's early life, revealing the struggles, aspirations, and the influences that shaped his artistic trajectory amidst the backdrop of a changing Spain. This beginning establishes a tone of nostalgia and a keen desire to honor the past while engaging with the complexities of his present, inviting readers into a rich exploration of memory and artistry.