Spanish Golden Age: Renaissance & Religious Literature
Historical Events
The Golden Age began under the Catholic Monarchs with the Reconquista and the discovery of America. Economic growth came from Atlantic ports and precious metals from America. Politically, the Hispanic monarchy controlled vast territories. Scientific advancements occurred in engineering, mining, and navigation. Socially, many Spaniards migrated to Europe.
Society and Thought
Graeco-Latin culture revived after the Middle Ages, with a focus on humanism. Translations flourished, and vernacular languages gained prestige. The language used by humanists was Latin.
Religion
Erasmus of Rotterdam was a key Christian humanist. Martin Luther’s ideas led to the Protestant Reformation. The Council of Trent initiated the Counter-Reformation, impacting Catholic Spain.
Language and Literature
Castilian achieved high development, culminating with Cervantes. Lirica in the first Renaissance (Carlos I) featured Garcilaso de la Vega. The second Renaissance (Philip II) saw increased interest in popular poetry and traditional songs.
Italianate Lyrical Influence
Boscan and Garcilaso de la Vega introduced Italian forms like hendecasyllable-heptasyllable verses, chained triplets, sonnets, and octaves. Themes included nature, mythology, and love.
Garcilaso de la Vega
A courtier, soldier, and poet, Garcilaso explored Petrarchan love, idealized nature, and mythology. His works include eclogues, elegies, and songs.
Lyric in the Second Renaissance
Petrarchan lyric: Poets like Fernando de Herrera favored love themes and ornate language.
Horacian lyric: Authors like Fray Luis de Leon focused on moral topics, using simple language and the lira verse.
Religious Lyric
Mysticism: Focused on the union of the soul with God. Key figures include Fray Luis de Leon, Fray Luis de Granada, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Jesus.
Fray Luis de Leon
Themes: Solitude, retreat, peace, and approaching God.
Style: Odes with humor, linguistic perfection, and nature symbolism.
Works: The Retired Life, Ode to Salinas, Calm Night, Ascension, and Prophecy of the Tagus.
San Juan de la Cruz
Themes: Religious inspiration and mystical experience.
Style: Allegories, symbols, comparisons, and metaphors.
Works: Dark Night of the Soul, Spiritual Canticle, and Living Flame of Love.