Baroque Period: Society, Literature, and the Courtier
Societal Context of the Baroque Era
The Baroque period, primarily spanning the 17th century, was a time of significant upheaval and transformation in Europe. Several key factors shaped the social landscape:
- The Counter-Reformation: The Council of Trent played a crucial role in the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation. The Church sought to reassert its authority and emotionally reconnect with the faithful.
- Social Gentrification: An idealized aristocratic court society emerged, often conflicting with the burgeoning bourgeoisie. The Crown frequently intervened in these societal tensions, reinforcing the rigid class structure.
- Economic Crisis: Wars, such as the Thirty Years’ War, led to widespread economic hardship, exhaustion, and a general sense of depression.
- Political and Religious Fragmentation: The era saw the consolidation of political and religious divisions, giving rise to ultra-nationalism.
- Philosophical and Worldview Shifts: A prevailing sense of disharmony in the world emerged. The relationship between humanity and nature was strained, and the universe was perceived through contrasts.
- Human Experience: Individuals experienced a bipolarity, simultaneously craving transcendence and embracing earthly existence.
- Imposition of Order: There was a strong desire for order amidst the chaos, leading to doctrinal and political impositions. Public displays and symbols were used to enforce submission.
- Social Mobility: Upward social mobility was frowned upon, as it was seen as a sign of disorder. An example is a wealthy farmer purchasing a noble title.
- Honor and Reputation: Honor was a private matter, tied to self-esteem, courage, and honesty. Reputation, however, was paramount. It represented one’s standing in the eyes of others and public opinion.
- Purity of Blood: The concept of genetic purity of blood was highly valued.
Baroque Literature
Baroque literature reflected the complexities of the era:
- Continuity and Change: While building upon the educational foundations of the previous period, Baroque literature also embraced change.
- Mimesis and Emulation: The concept of mimesis (imitation) evolved. Instead of merely copying classical models like Petrarch, the focus shifted to emulation, striving to surpass them.
- Creative Originality: Creative originality was highly valued, leading to a blend of classical and modern influences.
- Contrast as a Literary Device: Contrast became a defining characteristic of Baroque literature, mirroring the era’s inherent contradictions.
- Intellectual Debates: The period was marked by intense intellectual discussions and debates.
- Rise of Vernacular Languages: The use of Latin declined, while vernacular languages gained prominence.
- Theater as the Dominant Genre: Theater flourished, providing a platform for exploring themes of honor and reputation through character development.
- Permeability of Genres: Traditional genre boundaries blurred, reflecting a spirit of creative freedom and a rejection of rigid aesthetic rules.
- Conceptismo and Culteranismo: Conceptismo, or wit, emphasized ingenious and surprising expressions to captivate the reader. Culteranismo, on the other hand, showcased erudition and classical knowledge, sometimes leading to criticism for its perceived elitism.
- Taste vs. Ingenuity: A tension existed between popular taste, often associated with the vulgar, and intellectual ingenuity. Theater, in particular, sought to balance these two forces.
Castiglione’s *The Courtier*
Preliminary Letter
- Takes the form of a dedication.
- Explains the process of writing *The Courtier*.
- Adopts an elegiac tone, memorializing deceased characters and lamenting the loss of excellence.
- References Boccaccio as a model for using the vernacular Tuscan language.
- Highlights the importance of using language authentically.
- Acknowledges writing initially in Lombard and later translating into Tuscan.
- Admits to possessing only some of the qualities of the ideal courtier.
- Uses a classical anecdote from Theophrastus for illustration.
Foreword
- Discusses the qualities of the perfect courtier, suitable for flattering a lord.
- Employs dialogue, following the model of ancient writers.
- Claims the conversations are real, though he was not present.