Rosa Navarro, philologist: "I have forbidden myself series"
Philologist Rosa Navarro discusses the enduring lessons from Spanish literary classics in her latest book.
In 'El festín de la palabra', literary scholar and essayist Rosa Navarro presents twenty lessons drawn from Spanish literary classics that have shaped our understanding of common sense. She emphasizes that the significance of each lesson may vary for different readers based on their personal experiences and contexts. One key lesson she highlights is the caution against believing everything one hears, as illustrated in the work of the 12th-century text by Pedro Alfonso which reminds readers to remain discerning.
Navarro reflects on the qualities that define a classic, attributing their timelessness to a blend of beauty that captivates and teachings that resonate across generations. She asserts that true classics withstand the test of time and continue to offer valuable messages long after their publication. In her discussions, she invites her readers to appreciate both the aesthetic and instructional elements that contribute to the status of a work as a literary classic.
Throughout the interview, Navarro expresses her admiration for notable authors like Alfonso de Valdés, Teresa de Jesús, and Miguel de Unamuno, reflecting on how their insights could enrich contemporary discourse. Her commentary highlights the ongoing relevance of literary studies in interpreting human experiences and the value of engaging deeply with historic texts to extract lessons applicable to modern life.