17th Century Spanish Comedy: A Comprehensive Guide
17th Century Spanish Comedy
The Corrales de Comedias
In 17th century Spain, plays were performed in open-air theaters called Corrales de Comedias. These theaters started as simple structures but became more sophisticated over time. Plays typically consisted of three acts, with short comic interludes called entremeses performed between acts to entertain the audience. Madrid, Seville, and Valencia were the most important theatrical centers of the period.
Lope de Vega and the New Comedy
Lope de Vega, a prolific playwright and poet, revolutionized Spanish theater with his concept of the “New Comedy.” This style, which dominated the 17th and early 18th centuries, had several key characteristics:
- Three-Act Structure: Plays were divided into exposition, rising action, and resolution.
- Breaking the Three Unities: Lope de Vega disregarded the classical unities of time, place, and action, allowing for more complex and dynamic plots.
- Mixture of Tragedy and Comedy: Plays often blended serious and humorous elements.
- Poetic Decorum: Language was adapted to the social class and character of the speaker.
- Variety of Verse Forms: Different verse forms, such as romances, redondillas, and sonnets, were used to suit the mood and action of each scene.
- Lyrical Elements: Songs and dances were often incorporated into the plays.
- Verse Composition: Plays were written in verse, making them easier for the largely illiterate audience to remember.
Themes and Issues
17th century Spanish comedies explored a range of themes, including:
- Theological Drama: Morality plays that often satirized human imperfections and divine justice.
- Justice: The contrast between flawed human justice and perfect divine justice.
- Deception: The use of lies and trickery, often to protect one’s honor.
- Honor and Courage: The importance of personal honor and bravery in Spanish society.
Sub-themes included critiques of political corruption, the defense of good governance, and the exploration of love and morality.
The Archetypal Characters
17th century Spanish comedies featured a cast of recurring character types:
- The Gallant: A handsome, brave, and passionate gentleman.
- The Lady: A beautiful and spirited woman who often defied social conventions.
- The Gracioso: A witty servant who provided comic relief and served as a confidant to the protagonist.
- The Bobo: A foolish character who added to the humor of the play.
- The Beard: An older man who often served as a mentor or advisor.
Don Juan: The Seducer and Rebel
Don Juan, a complex and controversial figure, embodies both seduction and rebellion. He disregards both human and divine laws, driven by his own desires and pride. His actions, particularly his seduction and abandonment of women, highlight his lack of honor and respect for social norms. Don Juan remains a static character throughout the play, serving as an example of immorality and its consequences.
Catalinon: The Comic Antihero
Catalinon, Don Juan’s servant, is a cowardly but entertaining character. He provides comic relief and acts as a bridge between the play and the audience. As an antihero, he is materialistic and self-serving, but also adds depth and humor to the story.
The Social Function of Theater
17th century Spanish comedy served multiple purposes. It provided entertainment and diversion for the masses, while also reinforcing traditional values, including religious, social, and political ideals. Plays often promoted the monarchy and the established order.
The Trickster of Seville
“The Trickster of Seville,” written around 1621 or 1622, is a prime example of 17th century Spanish comedy. The play follows the adventures of Don Juan as he deceives and seduces women from different social classes. The play’s structure is episodic, with each act taking place in a different city. Don Juan remains a flat character, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of immorality.
Conclusion
17th century Spanish comedy, with its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, offers a fascinating window into the culture and values of the time. Playwrights like Lope de Vega created a vibrant theatrical tradition that continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.