Spanish Baroque: Literature, Theatre, and Golden Age
Characteristics of the Spanish Baroque
The Baroque, a cultural movement that flourished in Spain during the 17th century, is an integral part of the Spanish Golden Age. This period witnessed a remarkable artistic and literary blossoming.
Historical Context
The Spanish Baroque unfolded under the reigns of Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II, a period marked by significant crisis. The absolute monarchy, the prevailing political system, struggled to address the state’s problems, often delegating governance to trusted individuals. The economy faced numerous challenges, including epidemics, wars, and poor harvests, leading to widespread hardship. A mass exodus from rural areas to cities resulted in increased crime and poverty.
Cultural Landscape
In contrast to the Renaissance’s emphasis on enjoyment and pleasure, the Baroque period was characterized by pessimism and distrust in life. This shift in perspective is reflected in the art and literature of the time.
Baroque Literature
Baroque literature, despite the era’s challenges, represents one of the most splendid periods in Spanish literary history. It stands apart from Renaissance literature in its thematic approach and the intricate use of literary devices.
Themes
Baroque literature often presents a bitter and pessimistic vision of life, reflecting the anxieties of the time.
Style
The stylistic harmony of the Renaissance gives way to a more artificial and complex style in Baroque literature. The emphasis on elaborate literary devices aimed to impress the reader.
Culteranismo
This literary trend prioritizes formal beauty and is characterized by the intensive use of literary devices.
Conceptismo
Conceptismo, in contrast, focuses on the depth of content and ideas.
Baroque Theatre
Theatre reached its zenith during the Baroque period, becoming a popular spectacle enjoyed by all social classes. The rise in popularity led to the proliferation of dedicated theatrical spaces in cities.
Corrales de Comedia
These spaces, adapted from the courtyards of neighborhood homes, served as venues for theatrical performances. The common people stood in the courtyard, while the nobility and gentry occupied the windows of surrounding buildings, which functioned as boxes. The stage was located at the back of the courtyard.
The Comedia Nacional
This new dramatic form encompassed various play types, including tragedies, comedies, and dramas. It broke away from the rigid conventions of classical theatre. Lope de Vega, considered the creator of this genre, outlined its key principles in his New Art of Making Comedies:
- Imitate the actions and customs of the people.
- Portray diverse characters.
- Appeal to audiences of all social classes.
Characteristics of the Comedia Nacional
- Structure: Three acts (Act I: Exposition; Act II: Rising action; Act III: Climax and resolution).
- Themes: Diverse, but love and honor were prominent.
- Characters: From both nobility and lower classes.
- Style: Written in verse, with varying stanza forms.
- Purpose: To reflect the actions and customs of the time, providing entertainment and recognition for the audience.
The Works of Lope de Vega
Lope de Vega, along with Calderón de la Barca, is considered one of the greatest playwrights of the Spanish Golden Age. His works are notable for their variety of themes, including love, honor, and social commentary. His characters range from kings and nobles to commoners and villains, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his plays. Lope de Vega’s style is marked by its adaptability, with language and versification tailored to the context and situation.
The Works of Calderón de la Barca
Calderón de la Barca, a disciple of Lope de Vega, also contributed significantly to the Comedia Nacional. His works explore a range of themes, from lighthearted comedies like The Phantom Lady to profound philosophical and moral dramas. Calderón’s plays often feature a smaller cast of characters compared to Lope de Vega’s, and his style is known for its formal beauty and intricate use of literary devices.