Joanot Martorell’s Tirant lo Blanc and European Theater Evolution
Joanot Martorell and Tirant lo Blanc
Joanot Martorell, born in Valencia, is the author of Tirant lo Blanc. He was a knight often involved in conflicts. Martorell began writing Tirant lo Blanc between 1460 and 1468, but the book remained unfinished. Martorell passed the manuscript to Joan de Martí Galba as payment for debts. Galba finished the novel and printed it in Valencia in 1490.
Tirant lo Blanc tells the story of a knight who achieves the rank of master general through his efforts and defeats the Turkish threat. He marries the emperor’s daughter and becomes heir to the throne. The characters exhibit complex psychology. Tirant is a modern hero, defined by his humanity and contradictions. The novel blends styles, reflecting Valencian colloquial language rich in sayings and exclamations, with agile dialogue that brings the characters to life.
The Evolution of European Theater
Theater became a major genre in Europe. During the Middle Ages, early performances were religious and secular. Religious drama aimed to present Christian teachings in an engaging way. Secular theater was linked to the work of minstrels. In the fifteenth century, dances of death and humanist comedies emerged, following the allegorical style. La Celestina is one of the most interesting works of this period. Theater is a show and play that expresses mass feelings. At this time, three rules were followed: the action should not exceed 12 hours, the place should be consistent, and the action should focus on a single main event.
William Shakespeare and Dramatic Innovation
William Shakespeare was a great author of the dramatic period. Before him, two trends were evident: popular religious or moral plays, along with humorous works inspired by Latin Renaissance comedies performed in noble palaces.
Key Features of the Era:
- Representations took place in polygonal buildings resembling inn courtyards.
- Performances started at 1 PM and lasted until dusk.
- Scenography was minimal, with the text carrying the weight.
- Companies consisted of men, as women were not allowed to act.
- Works were divided into three genres: bloody costume dramas, comedies, and dramas.
Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of Shakespeare, introduced two innovations: the use of blank verse and the creation of a heroic model.
Later Theater Developments in France
Theater was slower and less popular in France. Its development was driven by royal patronage. Theatrical companies were paid to perform plays with elaborate sets, costumes, and music. Public religious performances were prohibited, and the academy enforced the three unities. Tragedy, inspired by classical and biblical sources, became the most important genre. Tragedies adhered to the three unities, removing assassinations and gruesome scenes to provoke admiration, wonder, terror, and pity.
Molière and Social Commentary
Molière revolutionized theater by showing how to teach through fun. His objective was to expose hypocrisy, frivolity, and insincerity within the nobility. His works often depicted the snobbery of the bourgeoisie mimicking the nobility. Tartuffe, a play about a hypocrite who gains control over a family’s property, is a prime example. Molière used rapid interruptions and witty dialogue to elicit laughter.