Mester de Juglaría, Clerecía, Cantar de Mio Cid: Literary Analysis
Mester de Juglaría: Minstrel Poetry
Mester de Juglaría, or minstrel poetry, refers to the school’s literary narratives in verse. Originating in the 12th century, this school is represented by minstrels, or juglares, who composed and performed their own works. The juglar entertained audiences with jokes, juggling, songs, and other performances. The minstrel also sang traditional songs with lyrics.
Mester de Clerecía: Clergy Literature
Mester de Clerecía encompasses works related to stories of saints and the Virgin Mary, created by members of the clergy. These literary works primarily deal with stories of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints. It is a literary school of poetry and religious fiction, represented by the clergy, and developed over the 12th to 15th centuries. Its primary intention was didactic, aiming to teach the basic principles of the Christian faith. It features metric regularity and religious themes.
- Metric: Regular
- Themes: Religious, historical, and legendary
Cantar de Gesta: Song of Deeds
The Cantar de Mio Cid is a prime example of a Cantar de Gesta.
Other Works:
- Cid Mozedades
- Roncesvalles Singing
- Bernardo Carpio
Cantar de Mio Cid: An Epic Tale
The Cantar de Mio Cid is an epic composition of over 3700 verses, recounting the exploits of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. A handwritten copy from the 15th century is preserved, but references suggest the story originated in the 12th-13th centuries.
Argument:
The story explains how Rodrigo offended King Alfonso VI, leading to his banishment. To regain favor, he undertakes a series of war campaigns, looting, and conquests. Eventually, the king allows him to return home. However, his daughters are mistreated by their husbands, the heirs of Carrion, leading to a further loss of honor. A trial ensues, which he wins, and his daughters remarry.
Three Parts:
- Exile
- Weddings
- Affront at Corpes
Themes:
- Honor
- Power
- Integrity
Gonzalo de Berceo: 13th-Century Author
Gonzalo de Berceo’s notable work is Miracles of Our Lady. These are short stories where a sinner is in conflict with both the Virgin Mary and God. When the sinner is about to be punished, the Virgin Mary intervenes to help.
Juan Ruiz (Hita): 14th-Century Author
Juan Ruiz (Hita) wrote The Book of Good Love, a fictional autobiography focusing on his love affairs. He presents himself as both a man seeking love and a sinner. His failures in love are attributed to neglecting divine love, Cupid, and the sins of the world. Cupid and Venus offer advice to Hita on his love affairs. Cupid suggests finding a pimp, leading to romantic relationships that are no longer enforced. A notable scene involves the death of a bawd, prompting the archpriest to reflect on the salvation of his soul.
Themes:
- Loving heterogenia
Chansons de Geste
Chansons de Geste are narrative compositions that explain aspects of war. These stories are in verse and feature regular metric assonance rhyme. External compositions consist of over 3700 verses and recount the feats of a major national hero who has lived through important events or actions for the people.