Tirant lo Blanc and Ausiàs March: Exploring Medieval Valencian Literature
Tirant lo Blanc: A Pioneering Novel
Joanot Martorell, a medieval Valencian writer born between 1413 and 1415, is renowned for his authorship of Tirant lo Blanc. Considered the first modern European novel, this complex and unique work places Martorell among the greatest authors of Catalan and universal literature. Born into a noble family originally from Gandia but residing in Valencia since 1400, Martorell led a vibrant life as a knight, with travels to England, Portugal, and Italy. His grandfather served as a royal minister, and his father as an attendant to King Martin the Humane. While Martorell’s connection to the renowned poet Ausiàs March (whose brother was also named Ausiàs March) is noted, biographical details primarily highlight his active knightly pursuits.
Tirant lo Blanc, comprising 487 chapters and over 800 pages, narrates the adventures of the knight Tirant. The manuscripts, inherited by Martí Joan de Galba, were finalized and published in 1490, six months after Galba’s death. Although written in Catalan, the language’s limited reach prevented Martorell from achieving the widespread recognition of Cervantes.
The Story of Tirant
This chivalric novel follows Tirant, a knight of noble lineage from England. He distinguishes himself in tournaments and battles before embarking on a journey to the Mediterranean. Accompanied by various characters, including the sons of kings, he aids the island of Rhodes against Turkish invaders. In Constantinople, Tirant falls in love with Carmesina, the emperor’s daughter, but faces a rival in the lovesick Viuda Reposada. The narrative unfolds with intertwined love stories, including the prince’s affection for Ricomana, Diafebus’s for Estefania, and the Empress’s for Hippolytus.
Tirant and his companions then venture to North Africa, where they reinforce the Arab army. Returning to Constantinople, Tirant marries Carmesina, liberates the Greeks, and claims the imperial crown. Tragically, during the celebrations, Tirant contracts pneumonia and dies, followed by the grief-stricken Carmesina and her father, the emperor.
Audio/Phrases
These are sets of words presented in a fixed and unchanging manner, used figuratively.
Ausiàs March: A Valencian Poet and Knight
Ausiàs March, a medieval Valencian poet and knight, hailed from a noble family with poetic inclinations. His birthplace is debated among Valencia, Gandia, and Beniarjó. He stands as a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Valencian and Catalan literature.
Breaking the Troubadour Mold
March’s poetry departs from the conventions of troubadour poetry, which expressed feelings constrained by the rules of “courtly love.” Troubadour poetry, written in Provençal and often signed with pseudonyms, was characterized by artificiality and distance. March, signing his poems with his own name, shattered this mold by expressing intimate personal meditations. He explored themes of love, the relationship between humanity and God, death, and ethical dilemmas. His poems featured real women, not idealized figures like Laura or Beatrice, and addressed genuine emotions and experiences.
A New Approach to Love and Language
March’s use of Valencian in his poems marked a significant departure from the Provençal of the troubadours. While retaining some formal elements like the decasyllabic verse, he employed five rhyme schemes, unusual for troubadour poetry. His portrayal of women also diverged from the idealized representations of the troubadours and the spiritualized depictions of Dante and Petrarch. March presented women as human beings with both virtues and flaws, offering psychological insights rather than exaggerated praise of beauty.
A Constant Reflection on the Human Condition
March’s work delves into various aspects of the human condition, often drawing upon his personal life. The death of his wife, Joana Escorna, serves as a subject in some of his poems, further demonstrating his sincerity. His poetry, while complex and multifaceted, maintains a cohesive unity, rooted in his individual perspective and experiences.
Sayings/Proverbs
These are complete, independent sentences that remain unchanged. They typically express ancient and popular wisdom. When these sayings contain philosophical or moral teachings, they are called proverbs.