Key Figures and Concepts in Catalan Literature

Posted on Jun 12, 2025 in English Studies

Joanot Martorell (Gandia, 1414-1468)

A distinguished writer and gentleman, Joanot Martorell is renowned for his 15th-century masterpiece, Tirant lo Blanc. This epic novel recounts the adventures of Tirant across various lands, including England, France, Rhodes, Sicily, and Constantinople. The narrative also details his love for Carmesina and their journey to Africa, set against the backdrop of the fall of the Greek Empire.

Tirant lo Blanc is celebrated for its unique blend of:

  • Facts and fiction
  • Military action and sentimental intrigue
  • Thorough descriptions
  • Extensive dialogues (parliaments)
  • Humor

Other important novels from the 15th century, both in verse and prose, include Tirant lo Blanc and the anonymous Curial e Guelfa.

Francesc Vicent Garcia (Tortosa, 1579 – Vallfogona de Riucorb, 1623)

Known as the Rector of Vallfogona, Francesc Vicent Garcia was the first great writer of 17th-century Catalan Baroque literature. He pursued ecclesiastical studies in Barcelona and was ordained a priest in Vic in 1605. He served Pere de Montcada, Bishop of Girona, as his secretary. His poems were first published posthumously in 1703.

His diverse works spanned several genres:

  • Poetry
  • Drama
  • Prose

Garcia established a significant literary school. His fame was such that he became the subject of Frederic Soler’s play, Lo Rector de Vallfogona (1871). Though his reputation waned in the 19th century due to criticisms from Spanish literary circles, he was rediscovered in the 20th century. He composed love sonnets and décimas, alongside satirical, burlesque, moralizing, bucolic, and mythological poems.

His poetry profoundly reflects a Baroque worldview characterized by:

  • Disappointment and pessimism
  • The fragility of appearances, akin to a theatrical world
  • The capricious changes of fortune
  • The insignificance of the human condition

Jacint Verdaguer (Folgueroles, 1845 – Vallvidrera, 1902)

Jacint Verdaguer studied at the Episcopal Seminary in Vic and was ordained a priest in 1870. He led a deeply spiritual life, serving as a chaplain from 1874 to 1876. He later experienced a profound spiritual crisis that led to mental distress.

Verdaguer is celebrated for two major poetic works:

  1. L’Atlàntida (awarded 1877): This epic poem depicts the sinking of the continent and the mythical struggle of Hercules.
  2. Canigó: A historical poem that explores the Christian origins of Catalonia and its conquest.

Àngel Guimerà (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1845 – Barcelona, 1924)

Àngel Guimerà was a leading figure of Catalan Romantic drama, awarded three Flors Naturals (Natural Flowers) in 1877. His compositions are characteristic of Romanticism, encompassing realistic historical dramas and tragedies. Elements of his autobiography are often reflected in his works.

His extensive literary production evolved through three distinct stages:

  1. First Stage (1879-1890): Focused on romantic tragedies. The best work of this period is considered to be Mar i Cel (‘Sea and Sky’).
  2. Second Stage (1890-1899): Characterized by realistic dramas, often featuring tormented personalities and extreme reactions. This was his period of greatest prestige. Notable works include:
    • Maria Rosa (1894)
    • Terra Baixa (‘Low Land’, 1897)
    • La Filla del Mar (‘Daughter of the Sea’, 1900)
  3. Third Stage (from 1900): Shifted towards bourgeois dramas, though these met with less critical and popular success.

Christopher Paolini (California, 1985)

Born in California in 1985, Christopher Paolini is known for his fantasy novels. His notable works include Eragon and Eldest.

Analyzing a Poem: A Template for Poetic Analysis

To analyze a poem, consider the following structural and stylistic elements:

  • The poem has [number] of stanzas, each with [number] lines.
  • The verses are grouped into [number] stanzas (e.g., apariats, tercets, quatrains, quintets, septets, octaves, décimas, or sonnets).
  • The verses are of [major/minor] meter (+8 syllables for major, -8 for minor) and have [number] syllables.
  • These verses can be classified as [bisíllabic, trisíllabic, tetrasíllabic, pentasíllabic, hexasíllabic, heptasíllabic, octosíllabic, decasíllabic, or Alexandrine].
  • The rhyme is [assonant/consonant], with a rhyme scheme of [_;_;_].
  • Note any elision (v._) and synalepha (v._).

Linguistic Registers

Linguistic registers categorize language use based on context and audience:

  • Formal: Characterized by standard language, often used in religious or academic contexts.
  • Informal: Includes colloquial and vulgar language, typically used in casual settings.

Juan God Meadows (Barcelona, 1962)

Born in Barcelona in 1962, Juan God Meadows is a contemporary figure.

Selected Vocabulary

A selection of terms and their definitions:

  • Aram: Worked copper.
  • Corn: A musical instrument made of horn.
  • Danimals (or Danyals), wallet: Generally a leather bag.
  • Lichen: A type of plant organism.
  • Vine: A climbing and woody plant.
  • Atalaiar: To gaze, to observe.
  • Dagger: A short, two-edged blade weapon.
  • Fetiller: A healer in primitive tribes.
  • Esgargamellar: To strain one’s throat from fatigue (e.g., from shouting).