Renaissance: Society, Culture, Literature, and Art in 16th Century Europe
The Renaissance: A Cultural and Philosophical Movement
The 16th century saw the emergence of a cultural and philosophical movement in Italy that spread throughout Europe, showing a renewed interest in humanity. This period, known as the Renaissance, was marked by significant social change, including the rise of a new social class: the Bourgeoisie.
Historical Context
The conquest of the Kingdom of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. The unification of Christian kingdoms contrasted with the tensions provoked by religious and social heterogeneity. The discovery of America sparked major economic interest, and Spain emerged as a leading world power.
Renaissance Society and Culture
In contrast to the Middle Ages, where God was the center of life (theocentrism), the Renaissance saw a shift towards anthropocentrism, where the human being became the center of creation. Life was no longer conceived as a “vale of tears” but as a time of enjoyment and pleasure. The medieval ideal of the gentleman was replaced by the Renaissance ideal of the courtier. Economic activity moved to cities, and trade experienced significant growth. Art sought beauty and balance, imitating Greco-Roman models and reflecting the natural world.
Lyric Poetry in the First Renaissance
Renaissance poetry encompasses two periods: the first and second Renaissance. The first period was characterized by general social optimism and European influences. It continued the medieval tradition while incorporating a strong Italianate current.
Key Themes
- Nature: Poets used natural elements to reflect the purity of their feelings, presenting an idealized vision of nature’s beauty, perfection, and harmony.
- Mythology: Ancient myths were used as subjects to illustrate personal experiences.
- Love: The beloved was portrayed as an unattainable ideal of perfection.
Style and Meter
Hendecasyllables (eleven-syllable lines) and seven-syllable verses were commonly used. Popular compositions included the sonnet, the silva, and the lira. Garcilaso de la Vega is considered the epitome of Renaissance lyric poetry.
Lyric Poetry in the Second Renaissance
Continual wars with European countries dragged Spain into an era of decline, reflected in its literature. The Catholic Reformation, promoted by the Council of Trent, fixed the orientation of the Catholic Church during a time of great religious debate. National concerns, philosophical reflection, and religion became the main themes.
Mystical Poetry
Mystical poetry focused on religious themes and became a way to know God.
- Theme: The search for God.
- Meter: The lira and octosyllabic verse were commonly used.
- Style: Simple and direct.
Notable figures include Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross.
Salamanca School
Writers of the Salamanca School cultivated simple, natural poetry with moral and religious themes.
- Expressive simplicity.
- Short verses.
- Sincere and natural poetry.
Fray Luis de León is a prominent figure of this school.
Seville School
The Seville School focused on more complex poetry with abundant rhetorical embellishments.
- Formal complexity.
- Long verses.
- Elaborate and intellectual poetry.
Fernando de Herrera is a key representative of this school.
The Renaissance Novel
Two main models of novels emerged during the Renaissance:
Idealistic Novel
- Pastoral Novel: Set in an idealized natural setting, noble shepherds sing of their joys and sorrows.
- Novel of Chivalry: Recounts the adventures of knights-errant.
- Moorish Novel: Features knights fighting between Christians and Muslims.
These novels presented an idealized worldview, with perfect characters and exotic, fictional settings. They served as a form of entertainment and included pastoral, chivalric, and Moorish subgenres.