15th-Century European Poetry: From Feudalism to Renaissance
The Evolution of 15th-Century European Poetry
From Feudalism to a Trade-Based Economy
The poetry of 15th-century European society saw a significant shift as the strict feudal system, with its agriculture-based economy, transitioned to an economy based on trade. This change affected the distribution of wealth among the gentry and gave rise to a new social class: the bourgeoisie. This class began to leave rural towns and concentrate in urban cities. As a result, the troubadour literature, deeply rooted in feudal mentality, gradually lost its relevance. Despite this, troubadour poetry continued to be written, albeit evolving slowly until the reasons for its development faded away.
New Literary Tastes and Influences
Several factors contributed to the transformation of literary tastes during this period:
- The Cançoneret of Ripoll: This collection of 18 compositions, intended for an interpreter with vocal and musical accompaniment, showcased features distinct from traditional minstrel performances.
- Religious Influence: The religious climate of the time did not favor troubadour literature, which often celebrated a love that was considered sinful. Consequently, this type of poetry nearly disappeared throughout Europe. However, it persisted in some regions thanks to the emergence of “Consistoris del Gay Saber,” citizen associations that organized annual poetry contests to promote troubadour literature. Ironically, the strict rules imposed on subject matter, formal structure, and language ultimately stifled creativity, making the poetry monotonous and unoriginal.
- Emergence of New Poets: Figures like Globert de Proixeta, Andreu Febrer, and Jordi de Sant Jordi introduced new literary poetics, moving away from traditional troubadour competitions. They drew inspiration from classical models and incorporated novel elements into their Catalan writings.
Political and Social Turmoil in Catalonia
In the 14th century, the death of Martin of Aragon without an heir triggered a long period of internal strife and civil wars in Catalonia between the nobles and the people. The Compromise of Caspe eventually granted the throne to the Trastámara dynasty, further fueling unrest. Hopes were placed on King Alfonso V of Aragon to resolve these conflicts. However, Alfonso V prioritized conquering Sardinia and Naples, establishing his court in Naples. This led to a fusion of Catalan and Italian literature, with the latter eventually dominating, while Catalan poets in Catalonia remained faithful to the troubadour tradition.
The Dolce Stil Novo and the Renaissance
Meanwhile, Italian poets, particularly Dante and Petrarch, introduced a series of innovations that culminated in the Renaissance. This new style, known as the Dolce Stil Novo, represented a definitive break from troubadour poetry. Its key features included:
- Departure from the feudal world, with poets no longer being vassals.
- A redefined concept of nobility, no longer solely based on lineage.
- A new ideal of female virtue, emphasizing inner beauty and perfection.
- A shift from Occitan to Catalan as the language of poetry.