18th Century Spanish Society: A Critical Analysis of Cadalso’s Letter IV
18th Century: Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters (Letter IV)
Location of the Text
José Cadalso’s literary work is part of the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason. This era marks a historical period where reason prevailed in understanding and organizing life in a modern sense.
Political Context
Spanish politics during this time was turbulent, with wars marking the beginning and end of the century. The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713) led to the establishment of the Bourbon dynasty, which reached its peak during the reign of Carlos III. Other significant events include the Treaty of Utrecht, enlightened despotism, and domestic reforms.
Cultural Context
Key cultural events of the 18th century influencing literary production include:
- The Press: Critical newspapers and journals played a vital role in various reforms, challenging the state apparatus.
- Coffee Houses: These venues fostered public conversation and intellectual gatherings, shaping the ideas of the Enlightenment.
- Academies: Royal academies, such as the Royal Spanish Language Academy, focused on standardizing language through dictionaries, grammar, and spelling.
These institutions reflect the era’s focus on collaboration and the arts.
Social and Economic Changes
Spain’s population grew during the 18th century due to improved farming techniques, new crops, and economic improvements. The monarchy encouraged population growth through colonization, supporting large families, and facilitating Catholic immigration.
The Church underwent changes as well, with land auctions beginning at the end of the century to boost national wealth and create a middle class of landowners. This process, known as the Spanish confiscation, extended into the 20th century.
The Spanish Enlightenment
The Spanish Enlightenment was relatively late and modest. Enlightenment ideas emphasizing reason, progress, and science entered Spain through various channels:
- The work of Spanish Enlightenment figures like Gregorio Mayans, Martín Sarmiento, and Benito Jerónimo Feijoo.
- The spread of French Encyclopedist ideas (Rousseau, Montesquieu).
- Translations of French books and the hiring of foreign scholars.
- Study tours abroad.
- Enlightened newspapers and publications.
- The creation of cultural institutions and economic societies.
Spanish Literature
Spanish literature of the time was didactic and utilitarian, focusing on genres like satire, essays, letters, travel books, fables, and newspaper articles. Writers used a clear and understandable colloquial style.
José Cadalso and Moroccan Letters
José Cadalso (1741-1782) was a Spanish writer known for works like Sancho Garcia, Pastimes of My Youth, and Moroccan Letters. Moroccan Letters, inspired by Montesquieu’s Persian Letters, uses the epistolary form to critique society from an outsider’s perspective. Letter IV, specifically, critiques Spanish decadence.
Literary Genre and Analysis
Letter IV falls under the narrative genre, specifically the epistolary subgenre. It features a narrator (Cadalso), a story (Gacel’s account of Spain), and prose. The letter employs rhetorical devices like hyperbaton and rhetorical questions.
Content Analysis
The central theme of Letter IV is the critique of Spanish decadence. The argument unfolds through Gacel’s observations on the state of Spain compared to other countries and times. The criticism is structured around four areas: people, science, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Analysis of Style
Cadalso uses various stylistic devices, including an abundance of adjectives, past tense verbs, and imperative verbs. Syntactically, he employs hyperbaton and direct style. Tropes like rhetorical questions and personification are also present.
Communication Analysis
The communication in Letter IV can be interpreted from different perspectives: Cadalso to the reader, Gacel to the apologist, or Gacel to the audience. In each case, the message remains a critique of Spanish decline.
Conclusion
Letter IV of Moroccan Letters offers a critique of 18th-century Spanish society, focusing on its people, science, agriculture, and manufacturing. Cadalso’s use of rhetorical questions and stylistic devices effectively conveys his message.
Critical Assessment
Cadalso’s critique remains relevant today, as societies continue to face criticism and calls for change. His accessible language ensures the message reaches a wide audience. The criticisms presented in the letter are constructive and encourage reflection on societal values and practices.