13th-14th Century Catalan Language & Literature
Expansion of Catalan in the 13th and 14th Centuries
The 13th and 14th centuries saw a significant expansion of the Catalan language. Early authors developed lyrical poetry, influenced by renowned Provençal troubadours. This literary tradition originated in the south of France, in territories then belonging to the Crown of Aragon. The conquest of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia led to the annexation of these lands and the spread of Catalan, as they were repopulated by Catalans.
Minstrels and *Chansons de Geste*
Minstrels sang and recited narrative poems featuring characters with chivalric virtues and religious fervor. These characters fought enemies of the faith and the fatherland, succeeding through courage, intelligence, and divine assistance. These *chansons de geste* (songs of deeds) laid the groundwork for historiographic prose.
The Four Great Chronicles
Historiography encompassed religious, epic, and chivalric themes, often written as personal memoirs imbued with the author’s subjectivity. Notable translations include *History of the Goths*, *De Rebus Hispaniae*, and *Gesta Comitum Barcinonensium*. These works offered a providentialist perspective on history, portraying God’s influence on the political aspirations of the kings.
*Llibre dels fets* (Chronicle of James I the Conqueror)
Martí de Riquer describes the Chronicle of James I as akin to the collected confessions of a statesman. Key stylistic features include:
- Improvised, popular language
- Direct involvement in the narrative
- Military and heroic spirit
- Religious providentialism
Morality and didactics were integral to the literary work.
*Llibre del rei En Pere* (Book of King Peter of Aragon and His Ancestors)
Written by Bernard Desclot, a contemporary chancery official of Peter III and Alfonso III the Great. Desclot’s primary merit lies in his skillful use of diverse sources without compromising narrative coherence.
Chronicle of Ramon Muntaner
Ramon Muntaner’s chronicle presents a knight’s life in a novelistic style. Key features include:
- The author’s unconditional monarchism
- Religious and moralizing reflections
- Detailed, violent, and crude descriptions of battles
His style employs simple and direct language, utilizing minstrel techniques to maintain attention and interest.
Chronicle of Peter III of Aragon
This chronicle includes a foreword written by Peter IV of Aragon. The first chapter covers his father’s reign. Its style is characterized by:
- Elegant and solemn language
- Well-ordered syntax with long sentences
- Autobiographical writing
Literary Prose: Ramon Llull
Ramon Llull, a polyglot writer, wrote in Catalan, Arabic, Latin, and Provençal. He is notable for being the first to use a Romance language for scientific discourse. This involved:
- Employing appropriate syntax
- Expanding and creating a suitable lexicon
Characteristics of Ramon Llull:
- Idealistic-utopian
- Tolerant and liberal
- Depressive and anxious temperament
Genres and Resources of Educational, Religious, and Moral Prose
These included:
- Fables
- Exempla
- Sermons
- Didactic poems
Rhetorical devices were also used, such as:
- Anaphora to attract attention and encourage meditation
- Techniques to facilitate memorization of the message
Arnau de Vilanova
Arnau de Vilanova was known for his speeches and political opinions, viewing the kings of the House of Aragon as pioneers of religious reform. He predicted the end of the world several times, but, obviously, he was mistaken.