14th and 15th Century Spanish Literature
14th Century Literature
Mester of Clergy
The issues explored by the clergy are no longer exclusively scholarly, derived from books, but also originate from life experiences.
The Rise of Narrative Prose
Another major innovation is the birth of author’s narrative prose, notably with Don Juan Manuel’s Count Lucanor.
Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita
Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest of Hita (Guadalajara), lived in the first half of the 14th century. His personality is evident in the Book of Good Love.
This book challenges the medieval worldview of life as a “vale of tears.” Its main theme is love.
The Book of Good Love is an autobiographical narrative, with the archpriest as the main character, recounting his amorous adventures. It intersperses various elements:
- Stories with a practical teaching.
- Satirical texts, like critiques of the power of money.
- Religious and secular lyrical compositions.
- Allegorical stories with symbolic characters.
In the foreword, Ruiz states the book’s didactic purpose: to distract people from the sinful “mad love.” The key to the work lies in its irony and vitality.
Count Lucanor
Don Juan Manuel (1282-1348), author of Count Lucanor, was the grandson of Saint Ferdinand and nephew of Alfonso X the Wise, inheriting their love for literature. Besides Count Lucanor, he wrote other books, including The Book of the States.
Don Juan Manuel illustrates customs and knowledge through stories influenced by Arabic culture. He aims for easy assimilation of his teachings, highlighting the book’s didactic purpose.
Structure of Count Lucanor
- The Count poses a question about everyday life to his advisor, Patronio.
- Patronio responds and tells a story to illustrate the teaching.
- The Count expresses his appreciation and intention to follow the advice.
- Don Juan Manuel, the author, appears as a character, also praising the story and its inclusion in the book.
15th Century Literature
The 15th and early 16th centuries represent a long transitional era with varied literary manifestations.
Poetry
There’s a substantial flow of sophisticated poetry. Important authors include Juan de Mena, the Marquis of Santillana, and Jorge Manrique. Their collections feature diverse verses and themes, notably love.
Popular poetry, particularly romances, also flourishes.
La Celestina is published in this century.
Society and Culture
This period marks the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern age in Europe. Society comprises nobles, clergy, and commoners, with the bourgeoisie consolidating its position.
The printing press drives the diffusion of literary texts. Humanism resurges in Spain, promoting humanities studies.
Jorge Manrique (1440-1479)
A nobleman active in the civil wars, Manrique balanced his dedication to arms with his literary interests. He wrote love poetry and is known for his elegiac work dedicated to his father, Don Rodrigo.
The Coplas for the Death of His Father
Consisting of forty coplas (stanzas) in alternating octosyllabic and tetrasyllabic verses:
- Part 1: General reflections.
- Part 2: Illustrates earlier reflections with historical examples.
- Part 3: Focuses on the portrait of Don Rodrigo.
The verses’ value lies in the poet’s straightforward expression of his feelings.