Catalan Literature: From Ramon Llull to the Golden Age
The Rise of Catalan Literature
Ramon Llull and the Royal Council
During the second half of the thirteenth century, Ramon Llull established Catalan as a language suitable for literary creation and scientific discourse. His extensive use of Catalan in his works helped elevate its status, placing it on par with other Romance languages in terms of its presence in all areas of intellectual discourse. Until that time, most scholarly work was written in Latin.
The modernization efforts of Ramon Llull were continued by the Royal Council, an institution created at the beginning of the 13th century. The council was responsible for managing and archiving all correspondence and administrative documents of the Catalan-Aragonese crown. The language used by the council developed a distinct style characterized by:
- A predominance of long sentences with subordination
- Administrative and technical vocabulary
- Frequent use of cultisms (learned or obscure words)
- A tendency to place the main verb at the end of the sentence
- Moderate use of articles
The Emergence of Troubadour Poetry
The consolidation of Romance languages led to the first manifestations of vernacular literature. One of the earliest forms was troubadour poetry, which originated in Occitan. The geographical proximity of Occitania to the Crown of Aragon, along with the close political, cultural, and economic ties between the two regions, facilitated the spread of this poetic tradition. The similarities between Catalan and Occitan further contributed to the adoption of troubadour conventions by Catalan poets.
Courtly Love: The Central Theme
Courtly love was the central theme of troubadour poetry. This concept challenged the rigid social structures of feudalism. The typical characters involved in this poetic genre were:
- The lady, often idealized and referred to as midons or domna
- The troubadour, who expresses his love for the lady
- The jealous husband, often depicted as an obstacle to the lovers
- The lausengiers, gossipers who might expose the lovers’ affair
Ausiàs March: A Master of Catalan Poetry
His Works
Ausiàs March’s complete works consist of 128 poems, typically classified into three groups:
- Cants d’amor (Love Songs): March presents a more realistic and relatable depiction of women, acknowledging both their flaws and virtues. This departs from the idealized and often unattainable female figures found in traditional courtly love poetry.
- Cants de mort (Songs of Death): These poems express profound grief over the death of a beloved woman. March grapples with his sorrow, his concern for the fate of her soul, and questions about divine justice.
- Cant espiritual (Spiritual Song): This long poem, addressed to God, reflects on the afterlife and the nature of the soul.
Themes
- Love: March explores the contradictory nature of love, examining it as a concept, a carnal passion, and a source of both joy and suffering.
- Women: Unlike the idealized and often tyrannical female figures in troubadour poetry, March’s portrayal of women is more nuanced and realistic.
- Death: Death is not merely the end of love but also a potential release from the pain and sin of earthly desire.
Structure
March’s poems often follow a distinct structure:
- Exposició (Exposition): The poet introduces his emotional state or the subject of the poem.
- Argument (Argument): The poet elaborates on his feelings or ideas, often drawing on real-life experiences or comparisons.
- Conclusió (Conclusion): The poem typically ends with a summary of the main points or a direct address to the beloved.
Other Notable Figures of the Golden Age
Jaume Roig
Jaume Roig was another prominent figure in Catalan literature during this period. His most famous work,”Espill o Llibre de les done” (Mirror or Book of Women), is a satirical and misogynistic text written in tetrasyllabic verses. While not intended as an autobiography, the work reflects Roig’s cynical views on women.
Isabel de Villena
In response to Roig’s misogynistic writings, Isabel de Villena, an abbess, penned”Vita Christ” (Life of Christ), a defense of women. Her work challenged the prevailing negative stereotypes and highlighted the virtues and contributions of women.
Roiç de Corella
His Works
Roiç de Corella was a prolific writer whose works can be categorized as follows:
- Love Works: These include romantic tales such as”Lo Somn” (The Dream), in which a woman recounts a love affair to her lover.
- Religious Works: These works, often dedicated to the Virgin Mary, reflect Corella’s devout faith.
- Circumstantial Texts: These are occasional works written for specific events or purposes.
- Mythological Works: Heavily influenced by Ovid and Boccaccio, these works focus on themes of love and mythology.
Chivalric Novels: A Reflection of the Times
Characteristics
Chivalric novels were a popular genre during this period. They reflected the values and ideals of the time and often featured:
- Settings in remote and exotic lands
- Imaginary characters and fantastical elements
- Protagonists with superhuman strength and extraordinary abilities
Two Notable Examples
Curial e Güelfa
This anonymous novel tells the love story of Curial, a humble knight, and the noble Güelfa. The story unfolds in three books:
- Book One: Curial proves himself in the world of chivalry, gaining recognition and the attention of Güelfa.
- Book Two: Curial participates in numerous tournaments and encounters Lachesis, who falls in love with him, but he remains devoted to Güelfa.
- Book Three: Curial travels east, where he is captured. While imprisoned, he meets Camar, who falls in love with him. Despite her affections, Curial remains faithful to Güelfa. Camar, heartbroken, takes her own life.
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