After Wednesday’s lecture I was really intrigued by the connotations of some of the terms we discussed. A lot of other classmates have mentioned how their notions of romanticism (as in, what constitutes being “romantic”) are so incredibly different from what the term actually meant in the late 18th and 19th centuries. In addition; the term “romance.” When the idea of “romance languages” is mentioned, most people think of how attractive and passionate a person sounds when they speak Spanish/French/Italian, etc. Before taking Spanish linguistics I never knew that “romance” was actually from ROMAN (although now it seems so clear!) The Romans were passionate people (in amorous and non-amorous ways) and the characters in El Estudiante de Salamanca reflect that influence. Look at Elvira has such a strong and passionate love for Don Felix; so strong that it overtakes her. It relates the theme of “amor” that we discussed and how in many cases, quests for love were often unsuccessful. Going back to the change in connotation; wouldn’t we call Elvira’s suicide over love “emo” these days? Instead of romantic? I think most people would even say “gothic” before “romantic,” which is very interesting because the name Elvira gives off such a gothic feel, because of the "Mistress of the Dark" horror thing. I think the evolution of terminology over time and the way it changes depending on context is so amazing. (Especially in a literary context like we have been discussing!)