La Celestina and Cantar de Mio Cid: Spanish Literature
The Celestina
Argument
The Celestina tells of the love affair between Calisto and Melibea. Calisto falls in love with Melibea by chance, but she initially rejects him. Sempronio, Calisto’s servant, suggests seeking assistance from Celestina, a procuress, to help him win Melibea’s love. In gratitude, Calisto gives Celestina a gold chain. Celestina is later killed by Calisto’s servants over a dispute about sharing the reward. One night, when Calisto goes to visit Melibea, he falls down the stairs and dies. Unable to endure Calisto’s tragic end, Melibea confesses everything to her father, Pleberio, and throws herself from a tower. The play ends with Pleberio’s lament over his daughter’s death.
Characters
- Calisto: A wealthy young man driven by his passion and self-interest. He lacks moral restraints.
- Melibea: Initially portrayed as naive, Melibea undergoes a transformation, becoming confident and committed.
- Pleberio: Melibea’s father, a rich merchant concerned about his daughter’s education.
- Alisa: Melibea’s mother, whose only interest is to please and obey her husband.
- Celestina: A central figure who manipulates others to achieve her desires. Her intelligence and greed ultimately lead to her death.
- Sempronio: Calisto’s servant, whose greed and materialism make him complicit with Celestina.
- Pármeno: Calisto’s faithful servant, who initially tries to warn him about Celestina’s machinations.
- Elicia and Areúsa: Celestina’s pupils.
- Lucrecia: Melibea’s servant, who helps conceal her encounters with Calisto.
- Centurio: A cowardly, boastful, talkative, and lazy character, representing the archetype of Miles Gloriosus.
Berceo: Miracles of Our Lady
Introduction
The work uses allegory to refer to the fall of man through sin while ensuring salvation through devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Twenty-Five Miracles
The miracles share a similar structure:
- An introduction that sets the characters and events in a specific place and time.
- The performance of a miracle.
- An exhortation to the cult of the Virgin Mary, highlighting the resulting benefits.
Cantar de Mio Cid
Cantar de Mio Cid is the glorification of a hero presented as a model of values. It narrates the deeds of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid. The poem recounts how King Alfonso VI stripped El Cid of his property and banished him from Castile. Through his exploits, El Cid regains his lost honor. The author chooses specific aspects of Rodrigo’s personality to emphasize: loyalty, consideration, honor, personal effort, faith in God, and moderation.
Authorship and Date of Composition
The work dates back to the early 13th century. There is no consensus on the author’s identity, although some believe it may have been an abbot named Pedro who claimed to have written it.
Structure of the Cantar de Mio Cid
Song of Exile
El Cid is banished by Alfonso VI from Castile, leaving his family at the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña and embarking on the road to exile.
Song of the Weddings
El Cid conquers Valencia. Alfonso VI forgives him, and the song culminates with the marriage of El Cid’s daughters to the Infantes de Carrión.
Song of the Outrage of Corpes
The Infantes de Carrión plot revenge against El Cid. They abandon his daughters in the oak woods of Corpes. El Cid seeks justice from the king, who calls for a trial in Toledo. The Infantes are defeated in a duel. The poem concludes with the request of the Infantes of Navarre and Aragon to marry Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.