Professor Simone Pinet opens with a discussion on the conceptualization of noise in medieval literature, specifically in Medieval Iberian Sound. She debunks the idea of medieval noise as a uniform cacophony, demonstrating that noise had different connotations based on genre and era. Her study covers literature from the 13th to the 16th centuries, looking at the lexicon of noise and its associated 'frequencies.' Pinet will use historical texts to illustrate her points, such as the association of noise with rumor in the 13th century, and reinterpretations of noise amid the sounds of battle in 16th-century chivalric romances.
Professor Robert A. Lauer transitions the conversation to the strategic use of deception in the works of Pedro Calderón de la Barca, focusing on how reality and illusion are manipulated through verbal and visual cues. Lauer analyzes two of Calderón's plays: "El sitio de Bredá" and "El médico de su honra," highlighting their contrasting use of misinformation and manipulation. In "El médico de su honra," the personal and tragic consequences of deception are played out, revealing Calderón’s exploration of the consequences of deception in public and private realms, and the complex relationship between appearance and reality.
The panel then shifts to Frederick A. de Armas’ exploration of architectural descriptions in literature, particularly in Cervantes' "Don Quixote." De Armas argues that Cervantes crafts complex architectural landscapes that shape readers' perceptions of physical and abstract spaces. He points to descriptions that give life to structures that merge, overlap, and contrast with each other, and plans to dissect three spaces that Cervantes creates to demonstrate how architecture is used to make certain elements visible or invisible to the reader.
Professor Marina S. Brownlee examines the sensory dimensions in Cervantes's "Persiles y Sigismunda," focusing on the intricate relationship between the senses and cognition. Drawing from Aristotle's theory that the intellect is derived from the senses, Brownlee argues for the complexity and polyvalence of the senses in literature. She discusses how senses are employed in Cervantes’s narrative to explore social and gendered cultural distinctions, thereby deepening our understanding of sensual perception and its cognitive connections.
Lastly, Professor Ricardo Padron addresses the evolution of regional studies into a more global context, advocating for a ‘Global Spanish’ paradigm. He highlights how Hispanists and Latin Americanists are shifting focus from traditional area studies to include regions previously overlooked, such as Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, the Maghreb, and the USA. Padron's 'Pacific turn' reflects a growing interest in the interconnectedness of Spanish-speaking cultures across the globe.
The panel, titled "Unveiling Layers: Sensory Experiences, Visual Narratives, and Visible Themes in Spanish and Iberian Literature," culminates in an overarching discussion on the textual and sensory wealth of Spanish and Iberian literary works. The speakers aim to not just analyze historical texts but also demonstrate their relevance and influence on contemporary thought and academic discourse. Through this multifaceted approach, the panelists underscore the enduring legacy of these literary works and their significant role in informing and shaping contemporary understanding of the dynamics of power, honor, and interpersonal relationships. They collectively contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the global impact and persistent relevance of Spanish and Iberian literature in both historical and modern contexts.