La Celestina: Unveiling Love, Death, and Greed
La Celestina: A 15th-Century Masterpiece
The Matchmaker, originally published anonymously in 1499 as *Comedy of Calisto and Melibea*, consisted of 16 acts. The following year, it was reissued with the author’s name, Fernando de Rojas. In 1502, it was printed with a new title, *Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea*, and significant expansions. This final text became known as *La Celestina*, named after the work’s most prominent character.
The book was an enormous success, with numerous editions published
Read MoreAngel Gonzalez: Analysis of Poetic Works and Themes
The Poetic Career of Angel Gonzalez
The Gonzalez’s poetic career began with the book Rough World. In this book, the poet shows the individual as a parallel path that follows the story. These two concepts of individualism and community are closely linked with the purpose that the poet makes known to himself while learning to understand others. The poems are marked by pessimism, and even social poetry does not appear clearly.
With Conviction, Without Hope
The second book he writes is With Conviction,
Read MoreSaint Vincent Ferrer: Life, Sermons, and 15th-Century Influence
Saint Vincent Ferrer: Life, Sermons, and Influence
Saint Vincent Ferrer (born in Valencia in 1350, not 1750) achieved universal fame throughout his life. His sermons were renowned for their ability to turn people away from vice and to teach Christian morality. He was a great traveler and visited countries like Spain, France, Switzerland, and Italy. He was a master of theology and a counselor to kings.
Saint Vincent Ferrer is a very important figure for two reasons: his significant literary work and
Read MoreFernando de Rojas’ La Celestina: Summary & Characters
Fernando De Rojas and *La Celestina*
After much controversy, criticism seems to have agreed that, as indicated by the acronyms and a letter to a friend, the author of the entire work, except for Act I, is Fernando de Rojas. Fernando de Rojas was born in Puebla de Montalbán (Toledo) around 1470 and studied law at Salamanca. He then moved to Talavera de la Reina (where he appears to have been mayor), married, had six children, and died in 1541. Among the possessions he left upon his death, his library
Read MoreSpanish Literature: 18th and 19th Century Authors and Movements
Spanish Literature: 18th and 19th Centuries
Key Authors and Their Works
This overview covers prominent authors and literary movements in Spain during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Moratín: (Theater) El sí de las niñas, La comedia nueva o El café.
- Cadalso: (Prose) Cartas marruecas, Noches lúgubres.
- Espronceda: (Poetry) Canción del pirata, El estudiante de Salamanca, El diablo mundo.
- Duque de Rivas: (Drama) Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino.
- Zorrilla: (Theater) Don Juan Tenorio.
- Larra: (Prose) Artículos
Medieval Literature: Clergy, Lyrics, Prose, and Syntax
Mester of Clergy
The Mester of Clergy was a school of writers who succeeded the Mester of Minstrelsy. The word “clergyman” was appointed to every man of letters. The works of the clergy were intended to persuade and educate the public on the doctrines of the church, imparting knowledge and Christian values. The school emerged in the twelfth century, and its main features are:
- Subjects: Writing on religious matters and romance, usually texts inspired by Latin authors.
- Starring: Historical personages