Humanism in the Crown of Aragon: Bernat Metge and Lo Somni
Humanism in the Crown of Aragon
Humanism in the Crown of Aragon was influenced by political contacts and trade with Italy, particularly regarding the Papal Court of Avignon. The influence of Italian authors is primarily evident in prose. During the reign of Peter IV of Aragon, translations of important classical texts began, facilitated by the royal chancery.
Royal Chancery
Peter IV of Aragon reorganized the Royal Chancery, a crucial department within the Royal Palace. It employed writers, notaries, and a Protonotary, and was where all court documents were drafted. Officials were proficient in Catalan, Aragonese, and Latin. Councillors and writers were among the first to translate classical works into Catalan from original texts. These officials maintained contact with Italy and began to emulate the elegance of Italian prose in their writings.
Papal Court of Avignon
The Papal Court of Avignon served as an important channel for the introduction of humanism into the Crown of Aragon, with which the kings of Aragon maintained contact. This channel facilitated Italian influence, exemplified by the work of Juan Fernandez de Heredia.
Bernat Metge: A Key Figure
Bernat Metge, a member of the Royal Chancery, is considered the Catalan humanist par excellence and a figure of universal humanism.
Life
Born in Barcelona around 1340 or 1346, Metge lost his father at a young age. His mother remarried a man with a strong command of Latin, who greatly influenced Metge by introducing him to reading and Latin mastery. This connection facilitated Metge’s access to a position in the chancery. His career included:
- Assistant to the chancery record of Queen Eleanor.
- Trusted advisor to King John I.
Metge’s close relationship with King John I led to accusations of embezzlement of public funds, which were never proven. After John I’s death, a trial was initiated against 38 members of the chancery, including Metge, who was accused of advising the king poorly and accepting bribes. He was also accused of involvement in the king’s death. Metge was imprisoned and wrote Lo Somni as a defense against these accusations. John I’s brother, Marti, acquitted all the defendants.
Works
Verse
- Sermon: A parody of medieval sermons, satirizing Christian ethical values with irony.
- Medicine is Appropriate for All Evil.
Prose
- Valter e Griselda: A novel, translated from Petrarch’s epistle.
- The Apology: A dialogue in the style of Cicero and Plato, left unfinished during his imprisonment and considered an outline for Lo Somni.
- Fortunata and Prudence.
Lo Somni (The Dream)
Lo Somni is Metge’s most universally recognized literary work. His release from prison allowed him to fully express his literary skill, free from guilt, and gain favor with the new king.
Characteristics
- Classical dialogue structure.
- Presence of mythological figures.
- Modeled after the best-known Italian Trecento authors.
Structure
Book 1
The author, imprisoned, receives a visit from the soul of John I, initiating a dialogue on the immortality of the soul. This book showcases Metge’s skepticism and rational humanism.
Book 2
The identity of the king’s entourage is revealed, and John I explains the circumstances of his death and the fate of his soul.
Book 3
Orpheus recounts his life and describes hell. Tiresias harshly condemns Metge’s illicit love and delivers a diatribe against women.
Book 4
The author defends women, presenting an ironic critique. The author awakens from the dream. Lo Somni is considered the most beautiful prose of its time, characterized by its measured style and unstoppable syntax. Metge was the first to write in Catalan with a purely literary purpose.