Ramon Llull and the Royal Chancellery: Literature in Catalonia
Ramon Llull’s Works and Philosophy
Llull’s views: 30 years and five revelations of Christ. From that moment, he undertakes a series of missions with three slogans: missionary work, preparation of books explaining the Christian faith, and requesting funds from kings and popes to create a school to teach future missionaries pagan tongues.
- Llibre del gentil e dels tres savis (The Book of the Gentile and the Three Wise Men): Originally written in Arabic and later translated into Catalan. The protagonist, a gentile (atheist), seeks the true religion. Scholars—a Jew, a Muslim, and a Christian—explain their faiths. Structure: prologue, Book 1, Book 2, Book 3 (the most extensive, discussing the Christian religion), Book 4, and an epilogue. The book’s ending is open.
- Cant de Ramon (Ramon’s Song): An autobiographical poem in which Llull explains his life, feelings, and the sensations provoked by his actions. A kind of personal confession revealing his sins and failures.
- Llibre de contemplació en Déu (Book of Contemplation): Structured in 365 chapters, each devoted to a profession.
- Llibre d’amic e amat (Book of the Friend and the Beloved): Features three allegorical figures: the friend (man), the beloved (God), and love, the intermediary between them.
- Ars Magna: An attempt to explain the world.
- Arbre de ciència (Tree of Science): Explains all symbolism and science using the tree.
- Llibre de l’orde de cavalleria (Book of the Order of Chivalry): Instructions for women on how to follow a gentleman who wants to uphold the Christian religion. The book was released a month after its creation.
- Blanquerna: Divided into five books, corresponding to the five wounds of Christ and the four keys he throws. Five states of a good Christian: marriage, religion, prelature, apostolic see, and the life of a hermit.
- Llibre de meravelles (Book of Marvels – Felix): Consists of 10 parts and an epilogue. The narrator, Felix’s father, explains how his son travels the world, marveling at it and being frightened by its sins.
Language and Style
Llull is considered the creator of literary Catalan. He wrote with a single objective: to evangelize the Gentiles. He used metaphors and allegory, and created words through derivation. Llull also employed examples (exempla).
The Royal Chancellery
Peter the Ceremonious spearheaded the Royal Chancellery. It was the main humanist center in Catalonia, formed by a foreigner (representing the highest authority) and a number of officials. Entry required knowledge of Latin, Catalan, and Aragonese. Documents were drafted in the ars dictandi style. It had three stages:
- Peter IV of Aragon (1336-1387)
- Joan I
- Martí I
Chivalric Romances vs. Chivalric Novels
- Chivalric Romances (Llibres de Cavalleries): The protagonist is an invincible hero. Action takes place in exotic, distant locations. Events are implausible and not very credible. Time is nonexistent or vague. Success comes after a very hard time.
- Chivalric Novels (Novel·les Cavalleresques): The protagonist is a hero with human dimensions, capable of being hurt like any other person. Action takes place in familiar, closer locations. Events are credible situations that could occur in reality. Time is more specific and recognizable.
Tirant lo Blanc
Tirant lo Blanc is a chivalric novel; its author is Joanot Martorell. It is divided in several parts:
- Chapters 1-97 (Tirant in England): Explains the story of William of Warwick, who had been a knight. People believe that the hermit Guy of Warwick is dead. This chapter ends with the fight between Tirant and Thomas of Muntalbà, where Tirant wins.
- Chapters 98-114 (Tirant in Sicily and Rhodes).
- Chapters 115-296 (Tirant in the Greek Empire): Tirant is already well-known. The Emperor of Constantinople asks for his help to fight the Sultan and the Grand Turk. Tirant secretly marries Carmesina.
- Chapters 297-487 (Tirant in North Africa): Tirant and Plaerdemavida are shipwrecked. Tirant is collected by the leader of the chieftains but does not reveal his identity and puts himself at their service. He wins an internal war and is finally released. Tirant falls ill and dies. Carmesina and the Emperor of Constantinople die of sadness.