17th Century Theater: Neoclassical Ideals and Social Commentary
Theater in the Seventeenth Century: Neoclassical Approach
Neoclassical theater is based on clarity, simplicity, and naturalness, aiming at the imitation of human actions. It respects the rule of the three unities, serving the purpose of decorum. The number of characters should not exceed eight or ten.
Neoclassical Tragedy
Neoclassical tragedy, written in verse and featuring nobles or kings of the past, had a didactic purpose. The basic message was that reason was to overcome passion. Notable figures include Racine and Vicente Garcia de la Huerta.
Neoclassical Comedy
Neoclassical comedy, written in verse or prose, portrays incidents perpetrated by common characters, through which vices and errors of society are ridiculed. Sentimental comedy is distinguished by the exaltation of virtues such as sensibility, humanity, and honesty. Notable is Jovellanos’s El Delincuente Honrado.
Leandro Fernández de Moratín
Leandro Fernández de Moratín’s works cover freedom of choice in marriage and the desirability of similar ages between spouses. His didactic zeal is well known, particularly in The Girls. In this play, Doña Irene has arranged the marriage of her daughter, Doña Paquita, of only 17, to Don Diego, a man in his sixties. The girl is in love with the young soldier Don Carlos, who is Don Diego’s nephew. Aware of the situation, Don Diego waives his suit and allows the marriage of the young lovers.
The play addresses the following themes: unequal marriage, the manipulation of children by foolish parents, parental authority exercised poorly, and the bad education of young upper-class individuals. There is a model of social organization and an attitude based on reason. A didactic purpose respects the three dramatic unities.
The prose is natural and simple, and the dialogues show agility. The serious and emotional moments avoid exaggeration, and the comedians do not fall into vulgarity, which contributes to the sobriety and moderation of the comedy.
The Essay in the 18th Century
The essay is a reflective text that expresses an opinion about some aspect of reality. At times, the writer projects themselves as a character, creating a framework for fiction. Some creators of this genre are Michel de Montaigne and Francis Bacon.
Feijoo’s Writings
Feijoo’s aim was to combat popular scientific errors to achieve modernization of the Spanish mentality. His works address a variety of topics. As his texts are for a broad audience of readers, they are presented with a familiar, approachable style, which sometimes includes satire or humor.
Moroccan Letters
The most outstanding work is Moroccan Letters. The author uses the epistolary form to provide three visions of reality: the Spanish child, the young Moroccan Gazel, and the wise old Moroccan Ben-Beley.
Jovellanos’s Speeches
Jovellanos’s aim was to educate the population and direct his letters to the authorities, in order to bring about reforms he felt were important to the country. His most important discourses are The Agrarian Law and Memory for the Arrangement of Police Shows and Public Entertainment.