Medieval Spanish Literature: A Comprehensive Guide
Medieval Literature in Spain
1. Historical Context
The period spans from the 5th century with the arrival of the Visigoths until 1492, marked by the conquest and discovery of America.
2. Key Features
Similarities with Europe:
- Medieval society structured around nobility, clergy, and commoners, with a small burgeoning bourgeoisie.
- Prevalence of religious wars.
- Literature primarily oral, preserved in written form in monasteries and universities.
Distinctive Features:
- A three-dimensional cultural blend (Jewish, Arab, and Christian).
3. Stages of Medieval Literature in Spain
3.1. Nobility Literature
3.1.1. Epic Poetry
Epics narrate stories of warriors and heroes. A prime example is the Cantar de Mio Cid. Unlike European epics, which often feature fantastical elements, the Cantar de Mio Cid focuses on a real figure, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (11th century), though embellished by minstrels.
Structure of the Cantar:
- Exile
- Weddings
- Offering of Corpes
Theme: The loss and recovery of honor.
Authorship: Anonymous, transmitted orally by minstrels. Compiled and structured in the 12th century by Per Abbat.
3.1.2. Old Ballads (Romances)
Anonymous narrative poems in octosyllabic verse with assonant rhyme, derived from epics.
Types of Romances:
- Historical: Based on real events or characters from epic poems.
- Novelesque: Featuring entirely fictional characters and events.
4. Mester de Clerecía (Clergy Literature)
Narrative poems written by clerics during the 13th-14th centuries.
4.1. Characteristics
- Use of the cuaderna vía (fourteen-syllable Alexandrine verses with consonant rhyme).
- Didactic purpose, aiming to disseminate Christian values and customs.
4.2. Featured Authors
- Gonzalo de Berceo (13th century): First known author of Spanish literature. Monk at the San Millán de la Cogolla monastery. Known for Miracles of Our Lady.
- Juan Ruiz (Archpriest of Hita): Author of The Book of Good Love, a first-person narrative interspersed with other literary compositions. Critiques aspects of life and distinguishes between two types of love: “crazy love” (sexual) and “good love” (love of God).
5. Didactic Prose
Emerged in the 12th century with translations of short stories from oriental literature. Characterized by historical or fictional narratives with a moral lesson.
5.1. Lead Authors
- Alfonso X “The Wise”: King of Castile, promoted the spread of Castilian. Founded the Toledo School of Translators. Known for translations like Kalila and Dimna. Also wrote Cantigas de Santa Maria in Galician.
- Don Juan Manuel: Nephew of Alfonso X. Author of El Conde Lucanor, a collection of stories with moral lessons.
6. Medieval Lyric Poetry
Developed in two forms:
- Popular Lyric: Anonymous poems transmitted orally. Examples include jarchas, cantigas de amigo, and villancicos.
- Cultured Lyric: Written by known authors in palaces. Examples include troubadour poetry and courtly love poetry.
6.1. Notable Authors
- Marquis of Santillana
- Juan de Mena
- Jorge Manrique: Known for Coplas a la Muerte de su Padre (Verses on the Death of His Father), an elegy lamenting the death of Rodrigo Manrique.
7. Medieval Theater
Initially religious and didactic, performed in churches. Later evolved into secular theater.
Notable Works:
- The Mystery of Elche (13th century): Depicts the Assumption of the Virgin.
- La Celestina (originally titled Comedy of Calisto and Melibea, later Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea): Attributed to Fernando de Rojas. Critiques societal norms and explores themes of love, greed, and fate.
Structure of La Celestina:
- Approach (Act 1)
- Node (Acts 2-19)
- Outcome (Acts 20-21)
Characters in La Celestina:
- Gentlemen: Calisto and Melibea
- Servants: Sempronio and Pármeno
- Marginal: Celestina
- Minor Characters: Pleberio, Tristán, Sosia, Elicia, Areúsa
Themes in La Celestina:
- Pessimistic view of the world
- Humans as victims of their feelings
- Love, greed, and fate