A Journey through Catalan Literature: From Modern Age to Renaissance
The Modern Age (15th-18th Centuries)
The Modern Age, spanning from the 15th to the end of the 18th century, witnessed significant advancements in European society across social, economic, and cultural spheres. This era encompasses the Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment, and Neoclassicism artistic movements.
The Baroque
The Baroque movement, prominent in Europe, particularly Spain and England, emerged during political, religious, economic, and cultural crises. Art and literature of this period often masked harsh realities through embellishment, ornamentation, and ostentation. Parody, caricature, and satire were also employed to confront the negative aspects of society, reflecting the prevailing pessimism and disappointment. Francesc Vicent Garcia (1582-1623), known as the Rector of Vallfogona, exemplifies Catalan Baroque with his diverse poetic works, ranging from elegant sonnets to burlesque romances and merciless satires.
Popular Literature
Popular literature, characterized by oral transmission and anonymity, thrived throughout the Modern Age. 19th-century writers and philologists documented this tradition through collections of romances (popular poems and songs), legends, and tales.
The Folk Song
Folk songs encompassed various themes, including legends, love, outlaws, and religion. Between 1540 and 1640, widespread poverty and hardship led to the rise of bandits and smugglers, often romanticized as folk heroes in popular songs, reflecting the socio-economic struggles of the time. “The Thief” is a prime example of such a song.
Popular Theater
Originating in the Middle Ages, religious drama, promoted by the Church, served a didactic purpose, conveying Christian principles and beliefs. This evolved into various popular theatrical cycles:
- The Christmas Cycle: Celebrating the birth of Christ.
- The Easter Cycle: Depicting the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
- The Marian Cycle: Dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- The Hagiographic Series: Focusing on the lives of saints.
From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, secular popular theater flourished, particularly short, comedic or burlesque sketches known as entremès or comèdia d’esquetxos. These plays featured stereotypical characters and employed colloquial language for comedic effect.
The Renaissance
Catalan literary creation during the Renaissance was limited. Catalan society’s participation in major European literary movements like the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicism was minimal until the 19th century, when the Renaixença (Catalan Renaissance) began.
The Program of the Renaixença
The Renaixença aimed to:
- Promote literary activity in Catalan.
- Create a distinct Catalan literature and integrate it into European literary currents.
- Promote knowledge of Catalan history and cultural heritage.
- Establish Catalanist institutions to support cultural and political recovery.
Three Iconic Moments
- 1833: Publication of “La Pàtria” by Bonaventura Carles Aribau: This poem marked the beginning of the Renaixença, celebrating Catalan nation, history, and language.
- 1859: Establishment of the Jocs Florals: These literary competitions encouraged Catalan poetry, focusing on themes of patriotism, faith, and love.
- 1877: Publication of “L’Atlàntida” by Jacint Verdaguer: This epic poem solidified the Romantic style in Catalan poetry and further legitimized the use of the Catalan language.