14th-16th Century Literature: Crisis, Transition, Renaissance
The 14th-Century Crisis
The 14th century is usually considered a time of crisis. Weakening fiefdoms helped the consolidation of the bourgeoisie. It was also a time of great plague, which decimated the population and caused deep pessimism, while also creating a frantic desire to enjoy life. There is a realistic and satirical literature focused on everyday concerns, forming a defense against the dangers of the world and promoting enjoyment of life: tales. In Spain, notable works include those of Don Juan Manuel and the Archpriest of Hita.
The 15th Century: Transition to the Renaissance
The 15th century represents a transitional stage between the medieval world and the Renaissance. The feudal system decreased as the monarchy consolidated, and the nobility became courtly. Bourgeois values emerged: individualism, the importance of economic gain, and scientific and technical progress. In Spain, contact with Italy allowed knowledge of the classics and the works of Italian writers, paving the way for the Renaissance. The mindset changed; Christian pessimism gave way to a desire to enjoy life, creating a secular culture that undermined the monopoly of the Church.
Medieval Literature Characteristics (10th-15th Centuries)
The appearance of medieval literature (10th-15th centuries) is linked to the first literary vernacular languages, and its history coincides with the formation of such languages. Key influences on the conception of literature include:
- Coexistence of Literature: Alongside learned literature, there was a popular or folk literature, with numerous crossovers between them.
- Literary Models: Books did not follow strict models of literary genres; the primary intention of the writer and the audience (clerical, aristocratic, or popular) took precedence.
- Textual Value: The value of the text lay in its relationship with authorities.
- Supernatural: No separation between the natural and supernatural.
- Orality: Elements of orality are present in all texts, even those conceived as written works.
Lyric Poetry
In the lyric poetry of the Middle Ages in vernacular languages (from the 9th century), two currents coexist and influence each other: popular and learned.
A – Traditional and Popular Lyric
These are brief, anonymous poems of oral transmission, sung in daily activities and festivals.
Examples include:
- Jarchas: Mozarabic, characterized by brevity and expressive simplicity.
- Cantigas de amigo: Galician-Portuguese, with a parallel structure.
- Castilian songs: Castilian, *carol*, *zejel*, with a parallel structure.
B – Courtly Lyric
Courtly love, written in Provençal, arises in the feudal world and expresses a conception of love projected onto the relationship of vassalage. Its genre is the *cancion*. It is highlighted in Galicia and, in Spain, in the kingdom of Aragon.
Literary Genres in the 15th Century
- Lyric: Poems were collected in *cancioneros* in the courts. Three major poets are Juan de Mena, the Marquis of Santillana, and Jorge Manrique, author of the extraordinary *Coplas*.
- Narrative: There are essentially two types of narratives under the seal of courtly love: books of chivalry and sentimental fiction.
- Theater straddling the medieval and Renaissance: *La Celestina*.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance is a movement with an anthropocentric vision that occurred in Spain during the 16th century. There is a rebirth of classical antiquity. The influential figure of the humanist is very important; they are knowledgeable of classical culture. Platonic philosophy justifies Renaissance man, viewing beauty as something that comes from divinity. Love exalts man and offers the possibility of approaching absolute beauty.
Renaissance Lyric Poetry
Renaissance lyric poetry perpetuates the medieval tradition and opens up to new forms arriving from Italy.
- Forms: Hendecasyllables and heptasyllables abound. Stanzas include sonnets, chained triplets, *lira*, *silva*, and *octava real*.
- Themes: Love that ennobles, nature, mythology, *carpe diem*, and religious and patriotic subject matter.
- Authors: Garcilaso de la Vega, Fray Luis de León, St. John of the Cross, Juan de Herrera.