Renaissance Lyric Poetry: A Renewal through Humanism
The Influence of Humanism
The resurgence of lyric poetry during the Renaissance was largely due to the spread of humanism. This movement fostered a deeper understanding of classical and Italian Renaissance literature.
Key Figures in Spanish Poetry
Francesco Petrarch, a prominent Italian poet, significantly influenced 15th-century Spanish poets like the Marquis of Santillana, Juan de Mena, and later, Juan Boscán and Garcilaso de la Vega. Garcilaso successfully integrated the Provençal tradition with classical literature and the Italian lyrical style.
Formal Aspects
The Lira
Boscán and Garcilaso employed the lira, a verse form derived from Garcilaso’s “Ode to the Flower of Cnidus.”
Octave Rima (Octava Real)
This stanza form, also known as ottava rima, was commonly used in Renaissance poetry.
The Sonnet
The Italian sonnet, perfected by Petrarch, was cultivated by the Marquis of Santillana and definitively established by Boscán and Garcilaso.
Sapphic Stanza
This stanza consists of three hendecasyllables and a pentasyllable.
Stylistic Developments
Renaissance poetry saw a shift in stylistic approaches. The use of adjectives and epithets to describe the external world, metaphors to characterize the beauty of women, and the utilization of hyperbaton became prominent.
Themes and Motifs
Love
Inspired by Neoplatonism, classical literature, and Italian poetry, the primary theme of Renaissance lyric poetry is love. This love is often expressed through introspection, reflecting the suffering caused by absence, death, or unrequited love. The Renaissance ideal of beauty is frequently associated with images of nature.
Nature
The locus amoenus, a place of idyllic beauty and peace, is a recurring motif. The beauty of nature is often linked to love, with the landscape reflecting the poet’s inner world.
Carpe Diem
The theme of carpe diem encourages the enjoyment of the present moment.
Mythology
Classical mythology, particularly from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, is used to express themes of love, with allusions to gods and mythological beings.
Other Themes
Friendship and courtly praise are also explored in Renaissance lyric poetry. In the latter half of the 16th century, religious and moral poetry became more prominent.
Later Developments
First Stage
The early 16th century was dominated by the cancionero tradition, featuring popular ballads and traditional poems. The influence of Petrarchism and classical literature marked a significant shift, with Garcilaso de la Vega’s work exemplifying this new poetic conception. This style was continued by Gutierre de Cetina and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza.
Second Stage
The second half of the 16th century saw significant religious and cultural changes, leading to the rise of spiritual literature. Inspired by biblical and classical sources, this literature incorporated expressive forms and motifs from the earlier stage to explore moral and religious themes. Key figures in this period include Fray Luis de León and Saint John of the Cross.
Ascetic and Mystical Poetry
Ascetic poetry emphasizes spiritual perfection through purification, while mystical poetry expresses the union of the soul with God. This process is often described through three stages: purgation, illumination, and union.
Garcilaso de la Vega’s Legacy
Garcilaso de la Vega’s brief but influential work revolutionized Spanish lyric poetry, becoming a model for subsequent poets. His poetry explores themes of love, melancholy, and the solace found in nature. His early work shows the influence of the cancionero tradition and the poet Ausiàs March. Later, his style evolved, incorporating classical forms like odes, elegies, and eclogues, while embracing the Petrarchan influence.