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 Rimas as well as from the writings of the Duque de Rivas, Rosalía de Castro, Leopoldo “Clarín” Alas, and Benito Pérez Galdós. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. (50 minutes) Spanish with burned-in English subtitles.