Analysis of Fernando de Rojas’ La Celestina
La Celestina
Publication, Author, and Title
First published in Madrid in 1499, La Celestina, originally titled Comedy of Calisto and Melibea, consists of 16 acts. New editions emerged, evolving the title and structure:
- 1502: Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea (21 acts)
- 20 years later: Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea, Old Whore, and Celestina
- 1569: La Celestina
Fernando de Rojas
Fernando de Rojas, the author, was born between 1470 and 1475 in Puebla de Montalbán, Spain. He studied Humanities in Salamanca and later served as mayor of Talavera de la Reina.
Genre
La Celestina is considered a modern humanistic comedy with distinct characteristics:
- Written for theatrical representation, not just reading.
- Use of colloquial language.
- Fluid shifts in time and space.
- University and urban settings.
- Simple plot with slow progression.
- Contemporary characters and environments.
- Variety of linguistic formulas.
- Clear moral and didactic intentions.
- Blend of narrative, dialogue, and novelistic description.
Characters
Celestina
A cunning and manipulative woman who uses her intelligence for selfish gain. She embodies human weakness and possesses a keen understanding of manipulation. However, her greed, lust, and vices ultimately lead to her demise.
Calisto
A young man and the archetype of a passionate lover. He is not portrayed as heroic in life or death. The author avoids explicitly depicting his intimate encounters.
Melibea
A complex and well-developed character. Though initially dismissive of Calisto’s advances, she undergoes a sudden change of heart. Intelligent, mature, and educated, she challenges societal expectations and ultimately controls her own destiny.
Pármeno and Sempronio
These two servants represent contrasting personalities. Pármeno is loyal, faithful, and cautious, while Sempronio is driven by lust and greed. Pármeno emerges as an antagonist to Celestina’s schemes.
Elicia and Areúsa
Two prostitutes who, like the servants, exhibit distinct personalities. Elicia, a hedonistic and impulsive young woman, contrasts with Areúsa, who lives independently and displays pride, ambition, and a pragmatic view of love.
Pleberio and Alisa
Melibea’s parents, who appear briefly but play a significant role. Alisa is suspicious and watchful, while Pleberio is naive and oblivious to the events unfolding around him. Their reactions to Melibea’s fate highlight their contrasting personalities.
Medievalism and Renaissance Influences
La Celestina bridges the medieval and Renaissance periods, reflecting influences from both:
Medieval Elements
- Themes of courtly love and its dangers.
- Use of medieval language and imagery.
- Presence of magic and witchcraft.
Renaissance Elements
- Realistic depiction of human relationships and societal dynamics.
- Exploration of human vices and weaknesses.
- Emphasis on individualism and free will.
- Focus on urban life and the rising merchant class.
- Subtle critique of religious hypocrisy.
Sources and Inspirations
Rojas drew inspiration from various classical and contemporary sources:
- Greek philosophers like Aristotle.
- Roman Stoic philosophers like Seneca.
- Latin playwrights Plautus and Terence.
- Roman poet Ovid’s Ars Amatoria.
- Italian Renaissance writer Petrarch.
- Enea Silvio Piccolomini’s Historia de duobus amantibus.
- Spanish medieval writers Juan Ruiz (Archpriest of Hita) and Alfonso Martínez de Toledo (Archpriest of Talavera).
- Spanish poets like Rodrigo de Cota and Juan de Mena.
- Diego de San Pedro’s sentimental novel Cárcel de amor.
Themes and Purposes
La Celestina explores several key themes:
- Mad Love: The destructive nature of passionate, all-consuming love.
- Greed and Materialism: The corrupting influence of wealth and desire.
- Death: The ever-present reality of mortality, particularly for the young.
- Fate and Fortune: The unpredictable nature of life and the forces that shape it.
- Time and Pleasure: The fleeting nature of time and the pursuit of pleasure.
- Magic: The role of magic and superstition in human affairs.
- Social Class: The complexities of love and relationships across social divides.
- Parental Influence: The consequences of parental neglect and societal expectations.
Through these themes, Rojas offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of human nature, societal norms, and the consequences of our choices.