Monarca de las Sombras Reflection
This paper reviews Monarca de las Sombras, a novel that portrays the life of a man named Manuel Mena during the Spanish Civil War. It analyzes the connection between life and death in wartime, where death can be both a triumph and a tragedy. Through firsthand accounts, the novel provides an in-depth look at the physical and mental challenges faced by individuals and offers insight into the impact of war on their lives. As someone passionate about healthcare, I was particularly struck by the role of health workers stationed outside the battlefield. Beyond treating individual soldiers, their work had a broader impact on entire communities. The novel also explores how Mena’s death affected his hometown, highlighting the lasting scars - both physical and emotional - of war.Even today the effects of the Spanish Civil War linger. Studying its impact has deepened my understanding of the crucial role healthcare plays in a community’s well-being - physically and mentally. No matter one’s role in healthcare - whether providing physical care, mental support, or simply being present, this book has reinforced the importance of contributing to the well-being of a community. It has inspired me to push for a positive change, both as an individual and alongside others.
Literary Report: Cantar de Mio Cid
This is a literature report that reviews the oldest surviving Castilian epic poem of the Castilian hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, offering a rich portrayal of medieval Spanish culture, including its religion, values, and social structure. Blending historical events with dramatic elements, Cantar de Mio Cid emphasizes the strong morals of the time, much like the classical epics that center on a hero who embodies the virtues and ideals of his era.Though I first encountered this poem in my Spanish class, it has given me a deeper understanding of Spain's history and the way medieval culture shaped its literature. Reading the poem has given me a deeper appreciation for Spain's history and how its medieval culture influenced its literature. By exploring both the story and its historical context, I gained a more profound understanding of its themes.Similarly, in healthcare, understanding the background of events is essential. For example, the Tuskegee syphilis study led to informed consent laws, and the “Radium Girls” case helped expand occupational safety laws, ultimately contributing to the creation of OSHA. Reading a story without understanding the background causes it to lose its depth and significance as opposed to if it had been read with a full understanding of history. The same holds true for healthcare. Understanding these backgrounds allows us to make not only better decisions going forward, but making steps away from the mistakes of the past.