Medieval & Modern Catalan Literature: A Comparative Overview
Medieval & Modern Catalan Literature
Dream it (Bernat Metge, 14th-15th Century)
This book, penned by Bernat Metge around 1399 during the late Middle Ages, reflects the rise of the bourgeoisie and the advent of humanism. This era saw a shift towards materialism and the pursuit of power through intellect. Metge, born in Barcelona in 1340, worked in the Royal Chancery, an institution established by Peter the Ceremonious to foster culture. Accused of killing the king, Metge wrote “Dream it” after his release. His humanistic style adapted Latin influences to Catalan, resulting in a cultured and refined work.
Ramon Llull (13th Century)
Ramon Llull’s poetry, written during the High Middle Ages, coincided with the Crown of Aragon’s expansion in the Mediterranean. Born in Mallorca in 1232, Llull initially focused on troubadour poetry. A profound religious experience led him to dedicate his life to philosophical and missionary work. He wrote in Catalan, a novel approach at the time, and even in Arabic to reach a wider audience. Llull’s impeccable syntax, mastery of multiple languages, and introduction of Catalan as a literary language solidified his place as a renowned author, philosopher, and scientist.
Cerverí (13th Century)
Cerverí, a troubadour of the Middle Ages, lived during a period of significant territorial recapture from the Arabs and the establishment of the Catalan language. Born in 1259 and deceased in 1290, Cerverí’s extensive work explored various themes, predominantly love, alongside moral narratives and other poetic forms. His formal approach to writing distinguishes him as a unique troubadour.
Joan Maragall (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
Joan Maragall’s poetry, written during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, falls within the contemporary period. Born in Barcelona in 1860 and dying there in 1911, Maragall’s work marked the end of the Modernist movement in Catalonia. As a key figure in Catalan Modernisme, he sought to transform and modernize the culture of his time, often exploring rural themes. His work reflects both Regeneracionisme, a cosmopolitan view aimed at educating the populace, and Aestheticism, which emphasized art as individual salvation.
Salvat-Papasseit (Early 20th Century)
Joan Salvat-Papasseit, an early 20th-century avant-garde author, wrote during a turbulent period marked by Futurism, World War I, and the Rivera dictatorship. Born and deceased in Barcelona, his avant-garde style embraced irrationality, dreams, and industrial progress. His work, though limited by his short life, features both avant-garde experimentation and personal reflections on death, utilizing resources like calligrams, typical of Cubism and Futurism.