Medieval & Renaissance Spanish Literature: A Journey Through Time
1. Medieval Literature
In the early Middle Ages, Romance languages evolved from Latin. Written Romance was rare, primarily used in monasteries. Germanic languages influenced epic narratives, lyrics, and dramas, spread through oral tradition by minstrels. Literature emphasized love, religion, and war, themes reflected in didactic art (sculpture, painting) of feudal society.
2. Mester de Juglaría
In the largely illiterate, rural society, minstrels entertained with oral literary creations, using songs, dances, and storytelling techniques. They composed chansons de geste characterized by:
- Irregular verses (predominantly 14 and 16 syllables) divided into two hemistiches, with assonant rhyme.
- Expressions capturing the audience’s attention.
- Prevalence of action verbs.
- Direct dialogue to enhance the narrative.
- Brief, epic descriptions.
- Appeals to character development.
3. Cantar de Mio Cid
This epic poem, the most comprehensive in Castilian, chronicles the exploits of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid). Likely composed in the 12th-13th centuries (though the manuscript is from the 14th), it tells of El Cid’s exile by King Alfonso VI due to false accusations, his military victories culminating in Valencia’s conquest, and his reconciliation with the king.
4. Mester de Clerecía
Clerics, recognizing the popularity of minstrel stories, used verse narratives to spread religious teachings, recounting knightly exploits and the life of Christ. Their style featured rich vocabulary and vivid imagery.
5. Gonzalo de Berceo
The first named author in Castilian literature, Gonzalo de Berceo, a clergyman at San Millán de la Cogolla monastery, wrote works like Vida de Santo Domingo de Silos, Vida de Santa Oria, Vida de San Millán, and the renowned Milagros de Nuestra Señora to promote his monastery and the Christian faith.
6. 14th-Century Literature
Juan Ruiz, author of Libro de Buen Amor, blended Mester de Clerecía with diverse verse forms. His satirical yet understanding view of human flaws is evident in this complex, didactic work, which uses fables, stories, and prayers to guide readers toward the Christian path.
Don Manuel, nephew of Alfonso X, advanced Castilian prose with a clear, precise style, influenced by Greco-Roman, Arabic, Hebrew, and Christian cultures. His El Conde Lucanor offers moral guidance to nobles through a series of stories.
7. 15th-Century Literature
This pre-Renaissance period saw the rise of humanism, emphasizing human beings and Greco-Roman culture. Printing increased book accessibility, changing literary forms. Courtly poetry flourished, with themes of love, morals, and satire. Notable poets include:
- Marqués de Santillana: A humanist influenced by Italian authors, he wrote sonnets, songs, and serranillas.
- Jorge Manrique: Author of Coplas a la Muerte de su Padre, a poignant elegy.
Romances, short compositions with assonant rhyme, covered epic, historical, lyrical, and romantic themes. Celestina (1499), by Fernando de Rojas, a work of dialogue, portrays the crumbling medieval social order and morality.
8. 16th-Century Literature
Humanism peaked, with a focus on human happiness and harmony. The Renaissance saw the revival of Greco-Roman models and the strengthening of national languages. Lyrical poetry continued, with a spiritual perspective on love, inspired by Petrarch.
- Garcilaso de la Vega: A courtier and soldier, he expressed themes of friendship, war, exile, and love in his poetry, using mythology, nature, and Italian verse forms.
- Fray Luis de León: A humanist and Augustinian friar, he blended Greco-Roman culture and religious training in his prose and verse.
- San Juan de la Cruz: A master of mystical poetry, along with St. Teresa of Jesus, he expressed spiritual experiences in works like Dark Night of the Soul.