Baroque Literature: Culteranismo and Conceptismo
Baroque Definition
The Baroque was an artistic and literary movement that began in Italy during the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is characterized by its ornate style, complex form, and elaborate substance.
Baroque literature often presented a negative view of the world and humanity, leading to the disillusionment that pervades the work of many writers. This is reflected in moralistic, satirical, and ascetic themes.
In terms of style, Baroque writing is known for its intricate and convoluted language, often employing clever wordplay and conceptual games.
Culteranismo
Culteranismo aimed to create a world of beauty by emphasizing sensory values and meticulous attention to form. It utilized various expressive resources, including:
- Bold and intensive use of metaphors
- Hyperbaton (altered word order)
- Allusions to mythology
- The introduction of new words, often derived from Greek and Latin
The most representative figure of Culteranismo is Luis de Góngora.
Conceptismo
Conceptismo was a literary movement that placed greater emphasis on ideas and concepts (the substance) than on the way of expressing them. Its key features include:
- Conciseness of language, as Gracian said, “Good, if brief, twice good.”
- Use of sharp contrasts (antithesis, paradoxes)
- Vocabulary that sharpens wit and subtlety
Its main representative is Francisco de Quevedo (1580-1645).
Mannerism
Mannerism, spanning from 1570 to 1610, designates the transition period between the Renaissance and the Baroque. It was initially considered a period of decline, characterized by imitation and a lack of originality. The term originated from art criticism, referring to imitators of Michelangelo’s “maniera” who emphasized elegant and artful forms.
Baroque Classic
The early seventeenth century saw the reign of Philip II, the first European monarch to experience continuous defeats despite his vast empire. Ascending the throne in 1558, he abandoned the austerity of his father’s court and embarked on a policy of extravagance. He also delegated power to favorites and increased the privileges of the Castilian nobility. Spain, burdened by war and a devastated economy, faced riots, banditry, and discontent. The serenity of the Renaissance was replaced by the uncertainty of existence and the struggle between reality and ideal.
Baroque and the Relationship Between Culteranismo and Conceptismo
While Góngora’s Mannerism disrupted the Renaissance balance between form and content, Conceptismo further developed content, particularly in depth. Although Culteranismo and Conceptismo are often presented as opposing tendencies, the separation is not absolute. Culteranismo has a conceptual basis, as it also arises from the implementation of the “concept” as defined by Gracian.
Summary: “Your Eyes are Green”
Fernando and his hunting party encounter a wounded deer and pursue it into a forbidden forest. Ignoring warnings, Fernando follows the deer to a legendary fountain said to be inhabited by an evil spirit. He becomes obsessed with the fountain and eventually encounters a beautiful woman with captivating green eyes. They fall in love, but she reveals her true nature as a spirit. Fernando, consumed by his love, kisses her and falls into the fountain.
Characters
Fernando de Agresola
The firstborn of Almenar, Fernando is brave, proud, and strong-willed. He becomes completely enamored by the woman of the fountain.
Iñigo
The chief huntsman, Iñigo is fearful and cautious, refusing to enter the forest due to the legend.
Woman of the Source
An ethereal spirit residing in the fountain, she possesses captivating beauty, particularly her green eyes. She is mostly silent and impassive, only speaking when necessary.
Space and Time
The legend is set in a forest in Soria during the Middle Ages.
Wonderful and Magical Elements
The most prominent magical element is the woman residing in the fountain. Her nature as an embodied spirit and the captivating power of her eyes contribute to the story’s fantastical aspect.
The Author, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
Bécquer, in his introduction, notes that unlike his other stories, he doesn’t explain how he learned about this legend. He simply expresses his desire to tell a story titled “Your Eyes are Green” and acknowledges his inability to fully capture the beauty of the green eyes that have captivated him.