Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 51%

(1) Federico García Lorca was 20th-century Spain's most famous poet and playwright.(2) Lorca was born on June 5, 1898, in a small town a few miles west of Granada, in southern Spain. (3) He was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner. (4) He studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time. (5) In 1928, he published the most famous of all his poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used the rhythms of the traditional Spanish ballad to describe the Gypsies of southern Spain. (6) Gypsy Ballads was largely responsible for making Lorca famous throughout the Spanish-speaking world within a few years. (7) In June 1929, at a time when most young writers and painters dreamed of living in Paris, Federico Lorca broke with tradition and sailed for New York. (8) His nine months in New York changed his vision of poetry and the social role of the artist. (9) Lorca also traveled to Havana, Cuba. (10) He came to New York with the goal of learning English. (11) However, he spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish instead of studying English. (12) In 1936, Lorca left a collection of these poems, called Poet in New York, on the desk of his Madrid publisher with a note saying he would be 'back tomorrow,' probably to discuss final details. (13) He never returned. (14) Sadly, at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Lorca was killed by political opponents in Granada. (15) Poet in New York was finally published in 1940.

Why did Lorca’s decision to travel to New York instead of Paris break with tradition?

Rationale

Lorca’s decision to travel to New York instead of Paris broke with tradition because most young writers and painters of his time preferred Paris.

During the early 20th century, Paris was the cultural capital for artists and writers, making it the traditional destination for those seeking inspiration and community in the arts. By choosing New York, Lorca defied the prevalent norm and sought new experiences and influences outside the established artistic center.

A (Most young writers and painters of his time preferred Paris) CORRECT

This statement accurately reflects the cultural trend of the time, where Paris was considered the hub of modern art and literature, attracting a majority of young creatives. Lorca's choice of New York represented a significant departure from this expectation, highlighting his desire to explore new artistic landscapes.

B (Paris was more affordable than New York) YOUR ANSWER

While affordability might have been a consideration, it does not capture the essence of Lorca’s break from tradition. In fact, many artists viewed Paris as a worthwhile investment for their careers, making this choice less relevant to the context of artistic norms in that era.

C (Paris was more dangerous than New York) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is misleading, as Paris was not widely recognized as a more dangerous city compared to New York during that time. Both cities had their challenges, but danger was not a primary reason for artists to avoid Paris in favor of New York.

D (Spanish artists were banned from traveling to Paris) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is inaccurate; there were no bans specifically preventing Spanish artists from traveling to Paris. The cultural exchange between Spain and France was active, and such a restriction would not align with the historical context of artistic mobility during Lorca’s time.

Conclusion

Lorca’s decision to travel to New York instead of Paris signified a bold move away from the traditional artistic pilgrimage, which typically favored Paris as the center of culture and creativity. By opting for New York, Lorca not only distinguished himself from his contemporaries but also embraced the potential for new influences and artistic directions that were emerging in the United States. This choice underscores the evolving nature of artistic identity in the modern era.

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