Medieval Catalan Literature: Doctrinal, Troubadour, and Courtly Love Poetry
Doctrinal Literature
During the Middle Ages, the Church devoted itself to educating all social sectors, with a particular interest in Christianizing the feudal ruling class. This intention is evident in the doctrinal preaching of clerics. Theater also became a tool to capture believers’ attention, with religious ceremonies initially in Latin, later evolving into complex dramatic representations in Catalan with elaborate staging. Doctrinal literature expressed Christian ideas and advocacy.
Troubadour Poetry
Troubadour poetry flourished in the feudal courts of the 12th and 13th centuries. Originating in Provence, it used Occitan, a language well-suited for poetic expression. Catalan literature was significantly influenced by this tradition, with lyric poetry from the 12th to early 15th centuries often written in Occitan. Ramon Llull’s work in the 12th century further developed this important era in Catalan literature. The brilliance of Occitan troubadour poetry illuminated much literature and had a lasting impact on medieval European lyric poetry.
Poetry of Courtly Love
Troubadour poetry often expressed a code of love known as courtly love. This concept represented a new understanding of love and a way to civilize individuals within courtly society. Courtly love poetry reflects the values of its feudal context.
Poetry of the Troubadours
Troubadours were the poets of courtly love, though the term originally referred to creators of Latin poetry. The troubadour composed both words and melody. This aristocratic poetry, closely tied to feudal courts, had broad social impact through court jesters who performed the troubadours’ compositions. This marked a shift from the Church’s cultural dominance, expressed in Latin, towards secular, vernacular values, a significant change with lasting consequences.
The Four Great Catalan Chronicles
The chronicles of James I, Bernat Desclot, Ramon Muntaner, and Peter IV of Aragon (written between the late 13th and 14th centuries) are not only valuable historical documents about the reigns of Catalan kings but also excellent examples of literary prose in Catalan, following Ramon Llull’s contributions.
- Royal Chronicles: James I the Conqueror (13th century) and Peter IV of Aragon (between 1383 and 1387).
- Chronicles of Bernat Desclot and Ramon Muntaner: These are more literary in style. Bernat Desclot’s chronicle was written between 1283 and 1288, while Ramon Muntaner’s began on May 15, 1325.
Troubadour Poetic Forms
Troubadour poetry involved elaborate formal structures, requiring mastery of verse composition and poetic song, considered the primary vehicle for expressing courtly love. Other genres include the alba (expressing lovers’ sadness at parting at dawn) and the pastorela (a dialogue between a knight and a shepherdess he attempts to seduce).
Ausiàs March (1400-1459)
Ausiàs March, from a Valencian family ennobled in 1360, was influenced by his grandfather, James March, whose poetry included three allegorical love poems. His father, Peter March, wrote moral and sententious poems. Ausiàs March likely received a typical gentleman’s education, including grammar, history, philosophy, and morals. He served Alfonso V of Aragon between 1420 and 1421, encountering prominent poets like Jordi de Sant Jordi. His literary activity likely began around this time, with his earliest datable poem (poem 13) referencing an event between 1426 and 1427. After leaving military service, he focused on feudal duties. His poetry, possibly influenced by Lluís Vilarrasa, became highly regarded, cited in correspondence between Pedro de Urrea and Pere Torroella. Ausiàs March became a canonical figure in love poetry, expressing the sentimentality of 15th-century literature. His work was printed five times and translated, influencing Spanish Renaissance poetry. His 128 poems, primarily love songs, are preserved in manuscripts and five editions (1539-1560), typically with five or seven eight-line stanzas followed by a refrain, though some are shorter.