Renaissance in Spain: Art, Literature, and Society
The Renaissance in Spain
The Renaissance was a cultural transformation that originated in Italy in the mid-14th century and soon spread to the rest of Europe during the 16th century. This movement represented a rebirth of Greco-Roman culture. The Renaissance involved a change in mentality and ways of life, in addition to a flowering of artistic, scientific, and technical endeavors. There was a special interest in the knowledge of man and the world around him. In Spain, the Renaissance’s era of fullness coincided with the reigns of Charles I and Philip II. In the 16th century, Spain first experienced the artistic movements of the rest of Europe, including Platonic ideas and Erasmian thought. However, during the second half of the century, there was a closing of doors to foreign influence.
Garcilaso de la Vega’s Poetry
Garcilaso de la Vega’s poetic work consists of some compositions in the traditional style, an epistle, two elegies, three eclogues, five songs, and thirty-eight sonnets. The subjects of his elegies and sonnets are the expression of the poet’s inner feelings and the idealization of love. Landscape descriptions serve as a symbolic element for the theme of love. Eclogue I stands out, where the poet unfolds his personal feelings through the figures of two shepherds who express their lament for their beloved. Eclogue II is more narrative, and its themes are love and praise for the Duke of Alba. The influence of Petrarch is notable in Garcilaso’s poetry.
Narrative Genres: Prose Fiction
- Books of Chivalry: These novels were widely disseminated in the first half of the 16th century. They feature the exploits of knights, with great imagination and fantasy. They originate from two cycles: the Arthurian and the Carolingian. Critics and moralists of the time censured them, considering them pernicious due to their excessive imagination. Don Quixote is the most important example.
- The Pastoral Novel: Emerging in the mid-16th century, this genre was imported from Italy. It involves the introduction of pastoralism into prose. The genre analyzes the inner feelings of the characters, focusing on Platonic love. Among the best-known works are Diana by Jorge de Montemayor and La Galatea.
- The Moorish Novel: Derived from border ballads, it focuses on fictitious adventures between Moors and Christians. It features themes of love and struggles, always within an environment of great courtesy and chivalry.
- The Byzantine Novel: The plot consists of the fabulous adventures of two lovers in imaginary times and places until they can finally reunite. Among the most notable works is Persiles and Sigismunda.
Cervantes
Literary Work
Cervantes cultivated all literary genres. As a poet, he wrote ballads and other compositions, many interspersed in his writings and theatrical works. As a playwright, he did not achieve great success. His works of classical inspiration include interludes and eight comedies, which were published in 1615. As a novelist, Cervantes is considered the creator of the modern novel. Besides Don Quixote, he wrote other fictional works, such as La Galatea and Persiles and Sigismunda.
Don Quixote
One of the most universal works of Spanish literature, Don Quixote was published in two parts. The first appeared in 1605 and was an immediate success. The second part of the novel was published in 1615.
Structure and Characters
One of the original aspects of Don Quixote is the figure of the narrator. Cervantes presents the story as if it had been invented by a later author, translated into Arabic, and then into Spanish. He also claims that the adventures have been previously collected in history books and chronicles. The play is organized around three departures: two in the first part and one in the second. Each one has a circular structure: departure, adventures, and return home.