The decadent novel by Ramón del Valle-Inclán is a good reason to talk about how Spanish literature connects mysticism, religious imagery, and human weaknesses. Participants in the meeting will follow the path of the heroes of "Spring Sonata" by Ramón del Valle-Inclán and discuss how behind beautiful decorations, anxiety, guilt, and the desire to change emerge. The conversation will begin with a brief portrait of the author and the era. The host will explain how early 20th-century Spanish modernist prose differed, why it is drawn to "dark" plots, heightened emotions, and playing with religious motifs. Then the group will analyze the central conflict of the text-the clash between sensual passion and strict rules-as well as its symbolism. Part of the discussion will be dedicated to the image of Spain as seen through the eyes of a foreigner. Associations with bullfighting, Catholic holidays, flamenco arise, but behind the stereotypes, a vibrant country with its contradictions emerges. Ideas on where to go in Moscow are collected on our website.