16th Century European Novels: Idealism vs. Realism
The Novel in the 16th Century
The narrative genre experienced a profound renewal in the 16th century. This change was facilitated by the rise of printing, which aided the diffusion of novels. During this period, two main currents emerged: the idealistic novel, rooted in medieval tradition, and the new Italian genre, which recreated idyllic worlds and characters for entertainment. By the mid-16th century, the realist novel also appeared, giving voice to marginal characters and depicting unpleasant societal aspects, such as hunger.
The Idealistic Novel
This type of novel features adventures and localized conflicts set in an idealized world, far removed from the readers’ everyday reality. Characters are typically of noble class, embodying models of perfection, courage, and loyalty. The intention of this literature is escape and entertainment.
Sentimental Novel
These novels tell stories of love affairs, almost always ending with the protagonists’ deaths. A Castilian example is Amadís de Gaula, which uses the technique of love letters.
Pastoral Novel
Characters in pastoral novels are refined shepherds who, in an idealized landscape, discuss the nature of true love, its trials, and the complications lovers may face. Jorge de Montemayor’s work, Los siete libros de la Diana, is a notable example that concludes this subgenre. The pastoral novel faced persecution from moralists who viewed the expression of love feelings as an attack on good customs.
Moorish Novel
These novels narrate events of border conflicts between Christians and Moors. Their characters are notably idealized, emphasizing nobility, valor, and beauty, as seen in works like Jarifa la bella.
Byzantine Novel
Byzantine novels share a common narrative thread: the travels and adventures of two lovers. Due to abduction or shipwreck, they are separated, endure perilous adventures, and are eventually reunited. Segismunda is an example.
Short Story
Short stories often present various narratives within a broader framework where a common event connects them. A meeting where each participant shares an experience is a typical structure. El patrañuelo is an example.
Romance of Chivalry
With wide popular acceptance, romances of chivalry recount fantastic events featuring valiant knights who live extraordinary and amazing adventures. They uphold noble ideals such as defending the weak and love for a lady. The most perfect work of this subgenre is Amadís de Gaula.
- Amadís de Gaula:
- This novel depicts the love between Amadís and Princess Oriana.
- Amadís always fights for King Lisuarte, Oriana’s father.
- Gandalín is his squire and foster brother.
- Urganda the Unknown is his protective fairy.
- One of his enemies is the formidable Arcalaus the Enchanter.
- The knight errant’s characteristics include:
- True love with his lady, inspiring all his adventures.
- Loyalty to his lord or king and dedication to fighting.
- Usually accompanied by a faithful squire.
- Often receives protection from a fantastic character.
- Faces numerous powerful enemies.
The Realist Novel
The impoverishment in the 16th century pushed many people to make a living in cities, often through theft and pillage. This social situation and the influence of Celestina led literature to focus on these characters. Moving away from an idealized vision of reality, the realist novel portrays the society of its time, criticizing the vices and defects of all social classes.
Picaresque Novel
With the appearance of Lazarillo de Tormes in 1554, a new narrative subgenre began in Spain, reaching its peak in the 17th century: the picaresque novel. The birth of picaresque literature is associated with the social situation in Spain. Immersed in several European wars and simultaneously dedicated to the conquest of the New World, soldiers returned home maimed and impoverished adventurers, facing a new life of hardship and need. The picaresque novel aims to reflect this reality, full of beggars and poverty, where heroes of chivalry or the countryside are meaningless. It seeks a new hero, the rogue, and places them in the harsh reality of cities and poverty.
- Picaresque Novel Structure:
- The novel is divided into several parts, linked by an autobiographical narrator.
- The rogue recounts their adventures and misadventures in the first person.
- Throughout the narrative, characters from various social strata are presented, satirized, and criticized.
- The purpose of these novels is the criticism of society.