16th-Century Renaissance: Literature, Context, and Genres
Renaissance Literature (16th Century)
Sociocultural Background
The Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic movement, emerged in Italy in the 15th century and spread throughout Europe in the 16th century. It marked a revival of Greco-Roman culture and significant social change compared to the Middle Ages.
Key aspects of the sociocultural context:
- A new social class arose: the bourgeoisie, composed of businessmen and artisans.
- The political system was absolutism.
- The economic system was expansionist mercantilism.
- In the stratified society, the figure of the courtier emerged, a man of arms and letters.
Two cultural factors stand out:
- Humanism: Focused attention on man (anthropocentrism), contrasting with the theocentric Middle Ages.
- Religious Sphere: The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in the late 15th century, caused a schism within the Church.
The invention of the printing press facilitated the dissemination of books.
Characteristics of Renaissance Literature
Renaissance individuals viewed life as a stage to be enjoyed. This is reflected in the literary theme Carpe Diem, representing the desire for earthly enjoyment.
- Aesthetic Purpose: A search for beauty. Works are signed by authors.
- Idealization of man and nature.
Renaissance Lyric Poetry
In the first half of the 16th century, the most important author of Spanish Renaissance lyric poetry is Garcilaso de la Vega. His work reflects all the characteristics of Italianate lyricism. He wrote five songs, two elegies, sonnets, and pastorals (poems featuring shepherds).
In the second half of the 16th century, poetry became a way to know God through two disciplines: asceticism and mysticism.
Principal Authors:
- Fray Luis de León: The Perfect Wife, Of the Names of Christ.
- San Juan de la Cruz: Spiritual Canticle, The Dark Night, Living Flame of Love.
- Santa Teresa de Jesús: The Mansions.
Themes of Renaissance poetry:
- Human Love: A feeling that improves people.
- Divine Love: Through mystical experience, expresses the soul’s union with God.
- Nature: A framework of harmony and perfection.
- Greco-Roman Myths: Representing the force of nature and human passions.
- Patriotism.
Renaissance Narrative
Types of novels that emerged during the Renaissance:
- Pastoral Novel: Stories featuring shepherds who express their loving feelings in an idyllic nature. The Diana, by Jorge Montemayor.
- Sentimental Novel: Develops a story about a knight who loves a girl who cannot reciprocate. Prison of Love, by Diego de San Pedro.
- Moorish Novel: Tells of love episodes between Moors and Christians, portrayed as cultured and refined characters in idealized scenarios. History of the Abencerraje and the Beautiful Jarifa, Anonymous.
- Chivalric Novel: Narrates the adventures of a true knight-errant in love with his lady, undertaking a journey to face trials and supernatural elements to defend justice. Amadis of Gaul, by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo.
- Byzantine Novel: An adventure novel in which two lovers go through a series of vicissitudes that separate them until a final reunion. The Works of Persiles and Sigismunda, by Miguel de Cervantes.
- Picaresque Novel: Autobiographical narrative of a marginal character who serves different masters and tries to ascend in a hostile society. It is characterized by its strong realism and social criticism. Lazarillo de Tormes, Anonymous.
Renaissance Drama
First Half of the 16th Century
Courtly drama unfolded through a group of playwrights who lived at court and alternated between religious and secular themes. The principal authors are Juan de Encina and Torres Navarro.
Second Half of the 16th Century
A secular and popular theater developed, represented in towns and cities, influenced by Italian comedy. The lead author is Lope de Rueda, who created Pasos, short comic pieces inserted into comedies.