Masterpieces of Medieval Spanish Literature: From Cid to Celestina

Posted on Jan 9, 2025 in Latin

Medieval Spanish Poetry

  • Cancionero poetry often has two thematic focuses: didactic-moral and loving (courtly love). It is abstract and can be difficult to understand. A notable example is the work of Jorge Manrique.
  • El Cantar de Mio Cid recounts the deeds of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. It was composed by two *juglares* (minstrels) and consists of 3,700 lines of irregular syllabic structure. It is divided into three parts:
    • *Cantar del Destierro* (Song of Exile)
    • *Cantar de las Bodas* (Song of the Wedding)
    • *Cantar de la Afrenta de Corpes* (Song of the Outrage of Corpes)
    The central theme is the restoration of the protagonist’s honor. The work is noted for its realism, restraint, and optimistic tone. It is characterized by its verisimilitude.
  • Jorge Manrique, a Castilian knight dedicated to both the military and literature, composed love poems and *Coplas por la muerte de su padre* (Verses on the Death of His Father), Rodrigo Manrique. This elegy is divided into three parts:
    • Reflection on death
    • Evocation of historical figures
    • Death of Master Rodrigo
    It explores the power of death, the transience of life, and features a nostalgic evocation of “*Ubi sunt?*” (Where are they?). It consists of 40 *coplas* (verses) or *manriqueñas* with a broken foot. The stanza is a sextuplet, consisting of two simple narratives.

Medieval Prose

  • Literary prose appeared in Castilian in the 13th century. It was required for reading, so it appeared later than poetry. Vernacular prose served as an intermediate language for translations from Arabic into Latin. It was used by Alfonso X and the School of Translators of Toledo, and later by Juan Manuel.
  • Alfonso X the Wise made Castilian a learned language. His works are translations from Latin and Arabic, which enriched the vocabulary and syntax of the language. During his reign, Castilian was used in official documents and laws.
  • Thirteenth-century prose fiction consisted of translations of stories from the East, called *exemplos*. Don Juan Manuel is a notable figure from this period.
  • The triumph of fiction is seen in the sentimental novel and the novel of chivalry. The latter features the warlike and amorous adventures of a heroic and exceptional knight. *Tirant lo Blanc* is a prominent example.
  • Don Juan Manuel, nephew of King Alfonso X, wrote didactic works, including *El Conde Lucanor*, also known as *Libro de Patronio*. This work combines education and entertainment, consisting of 51 *exemplos*, proverbs, and a treatise on the soul’s salvation. It aims to teach how to maintain and enhance honor, wealth, and status. The structure of the stories includes:
    • An initial dialogue (*marco*)
    • Narration of the story
    • Application of the story to a real case
    • Intervention of Don Juan Manuel
    The style is individualistic; it does not refer to other works or authors. Don Juan Manuel modifies and presents the stories as his own. His task of reprocessing provides greater verisimilitude.

Medieval Theater

  • *Auto de los Reyes Magos* (Play of the Three Wise Men) dates back to the 12th century.
  • There was significant dramatic activity during the religious holidays of Christmas and Easter. Juan del Encina wrote short dramatic pieces called *pastorals*, with religious themes.
  • *La Celestina* by Fernando de Rojas. He found the first act and decided to continue it. Fernando de Rojas was born in Toledo and studied law. He died in Salamanca or Toledo.
    • The first edition, *Comedia de Calisto y Melibea*, had sixteen acts.
    • Later, *Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea* added five more acts.
    • Finally, it was titled *La Celestina* due to the importance of the character.
    • The central issue is the love affair between Calisto and Melibea, mediated by Celestina, which ends with the death of the lovers and the old procuress.
    • Three major themes are intertwined: Celestina, love, fortune, and death. Events are chained credibly, and death creates the ambiance of tragedy.
    • The purpose is ambiguous, with a moralizing intent, erotic content, and existential pessimism.
    • *La Celestina* is written in dialogue form and presents features of both humorous comedy and the novel.