Spanish Medieval Literature: Signs, Lyrics, and Epics
1. The Sign
A sign is perceptible by the senses, representing or replacing something else. Every sign refers to a concrete reality called the referent. The sign consists of a physical signifier and its meaning (content).
1.1 Classes of Signs
Signs can be classified based on perception (visual, olfactory, auditory, tactile, gustatory), structure (simple or articulated), and relationship with the referent.
1.1.1 Relationship with Referent
- Icons: Signs that have a similarity relation to their referent.
- Indices: Signs that have a physical relationship with their referent.
- Symbols: Signs that bear no relation to their referent; the relationship is arbitrary and conventional.
2. The Linguistic Sign
People communicate primarily through verbal and linguistic signs. The linguistic sign has two sides: a sound or graphic image (signifier) and a concept (meaning).
2.1 Characteristics of the Linguistic Sign
- Arbitrariness: The relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary.
- Linearity: The signifier unfolds in time and space.
- Immutability: The sign is unchanged within a given language.
- Articulate Character: The linguistic sign can be broken down into smaller units.
3. Traditional Lyric
Traditional lyric poetry is oral, anonymous, and exists in multiple versions. It is characterized by musicality and conciseness. The primary subject is often erotic love.
3.1 Jarcha
Jarchas are short love poems, the oldest form of Romance lyric poetry. They evolved from the Mozarabic tradition and were often embedded in longer Arabic poems called muwassaha.
3.2 Songs of a Friend
Songs of a friend are traditional Galician-Portuguese poems. Like jarchas, they express a young person’s pain caused by the absence of their lover, but with a tone of serenity and harmony.
3.3 Carols
Carols are traditional Castilian songs, covering a wider range of topics, including love, work, weddings, and celebrations.
4. Medieval Epic
Medieval epics celebrate the deeds of great warriors, representing the aristocratic ideal. They were sung by minstrels in squares and palaces.
4.1 Epics
Epics are traditional and anonymous works, spread orally by minstrels. The protagonists are nobles adhering to a code of conduct. Castilian epics are grouped into three cycles: Counts of Castile, Cid, and French.
4.2 Poema del Mio Cid
The Poema del Mio Cid tells the story of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (El Cid), a real historical figure admired for his warrior skills and loyalty. The poem focuses on his exile and struggle to regain royal favor.
4.2.1 Structure and Themes
The poem is divided into three cantares: exile, wedding, and the affront of Corpes. The central theme is the hero’s downfall and his quest to restore his honor.
- Exile: The Cid leaves Castile with loyal vassals after being falsely accused.
- Wedding: The Cid conquers Valencia and is pardoned by the king. His daughters marry the Infantes of Carrion.
- Affront of Corpes: The Infantes of Carrion are revealed as cowards and dishonor the Cid’s daughters. The Cid seeks justice and his daughters remarry to more worthy nobles.