Spanish Golden Age Literature: A Comprehensive Overview
Spanish Golden Age Literature
Historical Background
The Spanish Golden Age (circa 1500-1700) witnessed a flourishing of arts and literature, coinciding with the rise of the Spanish Empire. However, this period also saw economic decline due to mismanagement of wealth from the New World, poor governance, expulsion of Jews and Moors, and continuous wars. These factors led to emigration and depopulation.
Literature of this time reflected a didactic and moralistic approach, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of spiritual values over worldly possessions.
Ideology and Attitudes
Three main perspectives emerged regarding Spain’s decline:
- Confrontation and rebellion
- Escape into aestheticism
- Conformity
Literary Themes and Styles
Key literary themes included epic, romantic, mythological, religious, moral, political, picaresque, satirical, historical, and legendary narratives. Writers often employed elaborate language and rhetorical devices to enhance the beauty and impact of their works.
Culteranismo
Culteranismo, championed by Luis de Góngora, prioritized elaborate language and complex metaphors, prioritizing aesthetic beauty over clarity. It often featured sensory perceptions, hyperbole, periphrasis, and mythological allusions.
Luis de Góngora (1561-1627)
Góngora’s poetry is characterized by its idealized reality and the creation of artificial worlds as a means of escaping the harsh realities of the time. He employed strong contrasts, formal sensory perceptions, and intricate rhetorical devices. His work can be divided into two categories: a “light” Góngora and a “dark” Góngora, exemplified by his sonnets and the “Fable of Polyphemus and Galatea.” The latter showcased the culmination of Culteranismo, where the narrative was veiled in elaborate poetic ornamentation.
Conceptismo
Conceptismo, represented by Francisco de Quevedo, focused on intricate wordplay, wit, and intellectual depth. It employed rhetorical figures like antithesis, paradoxes, and metaphors to convey complex ideas.
Francisco de Quevedo (1580-1645)
Quevedo, a nobleman with a sharp wit and vast knowledge, was a prominent figure in Conceptismo. He wrote on diverse topics, from philosophical to satirical, and was known for his misogynistic views. His poetry can be categorized into four themes:
- Metaphysical-moral: Reflective poems exploring themes of life’s brevity, the ever-present threat of death, and the nature of existence.
- Love: Portrayed as an unattainable ideal, a painful paradox where pleasure is absent.
- Satire and burlesque: Mocking and criticizing societal flaws.
- Politics and religion: Reflecting on the political and religious landscape of Spain.
Lope de Vega (1562-1635)
Lope de Vega, a prolific playwright and poet, sought to harmonize the popular appeal of theater with the sophistication of Culteranismo and Conceptismo. His life was marked by anxieties stemming from his experiences with love, humanity, and religion. He became a priest after being widowed twice, despite lacking a true vocation.
His poetry encompassed various forms:
- Lyrical poetry: Combining the cultured tradition of Renaissance songbooks with Latinate influences.
- Epic poetry: Works like “The Dragontea” and “The Beauty of Angelica.”
- Burlesque and satirical poetry: Including “The Lawyer Burguillos” and “The Drink.”
- Popular lyrical poetry: Characterized by rich rhythm, simplicity, and spontaneity.
Picaresque Novel
The picaresque novel, a genre popular in 17th-century Spain, depicted the adventures of a roguish protagonist from a low social class. Notable examples include:
- “Lazarillo de Tormes” (anonymous): An autobiographical narrative following the protagonist’s journey through various social settings, highlighting the themes of dishonor, survival, and social marginalization.
- “Guzmán de Alfarache” by Mateo Alemán: A more elaborate picaresque novel with moralizing intentions.
- “El Buscón” by Francisco de Quevedo: A satirical and cynical take on the picaresque genre, devoid of moralizing elements.
Theater
Corrales de Comedias
Corrales de Comedias were open-air courtyard theaters popular in 17th-century Spain. They featured a simple stage with a main platform, a trapdoor, and a balcony. The audience consisted of various social classes, including “mosqueteros” (groundlings), “cazuela” (women’s seating area), “alojera” (upper-class seating), and the “balcón real” (royal box).
New Comedy (Lope de Vega)
Lope de Vega revolutionized Spanish theater with his “New Comedy.” He blended elements of tragedy and comedy, disregarded the Aristotelian unities of time, place, and action, and introduced a variety of characters and themes. His plays often explored love, honor, historical events, and legendary figures.
Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681)
Calderón de la Barca, a prominent playwright of the Spanish Golden Age, further developed the themes and techniques of Lope de Vega. His plays delved into philosophical and moral issues, exploring concepts like free will and disillusionment. Notable works include “Life is a Dream” and “The Mayor of Zalamea.” He also wrote “autos sacramentales,” allegorical religious plays performed during the Corpus Christi festival.