Spanish Golden Age Comedy: Lope de Vega and Don Juan
17th Century Spanish Comedy
Theatrical representation in 17th-century Spain had a fixed place of performance: the *corrales de comedias*. Initially, the stage was minimal, but over time, it became more sophisticated. Plays were divided into three acts.
Structure of a Play
The performance began with the author appearing and a celebration to engage the audience. This led to the first act. After the first act, a *loa* (a short, burlesque play) entertained the audience. Following the *loa*, the second act commenced, followed by another interlude (an *entremés* or dance). The third act followed, and the play concluded with a final dance or a *mojiganga* (masquerade ball). The most important theatrical cities at the time were Madrid, followed by Seville and Valencia.
The term “comedy,” encompassing all these features, is attributed to Lope de Vega, who gave the form its final shape, lasting from the 17th century to the early 18th century. Lope de Vega was not only a theorist but also a prolific playwright.
Characteristics of Lope de Vega’s Theater
- Division of comedy into three acts: A beginning, a middle, and an outcome.
- Breach of the rule of three unities: One single action, one single space, one single day.
- Mixture of tragedy and comedy: Poetic decorum (appropriateness of language to the character or character class).
- Metric variety: The lines and stanzas must comply with the scene’s nature, for example, ballads, quatrains, sonnets, and combinations of hendecasyllables and octosyllables.
- Inclusion of lyrical elements: Sometimes, works could be accompanied by songs and dances.
- Written in verse: To make it easier for the illiterate public to memorize.
Social Function of Theater
Theater served as entertainment for the people. Comedy also diffused traditional values among the population, including religious values, political ideals, and social norms that aimed to maintain a certain order. It was common to see praise for the monarchy.
Themes of the Work
Theological drama, moral satire (tragicomedy), justice, deception, honor, and courage.
Characteristics of Don Juan
Don Juan is presented with two defining characteristics: seductive prowess and a rebellious temperament. He breaks both human and divine rules. Don Juan Tenorio is a nobleman of impure thoughts. Two aspects of his character stand out. First, he uses tricks to seduce women, essentially stealing their honor and leaving them with no other options except to marry another man (no longer virgins) or enter a convent. Second, he is unconcerned about God’s punishment. These actions demonstrate a lack of personal honor and respect for society’s moral rules. Don Juan has a rebellious temperament, refusing to follow any order in his life. His world revolves around himself; beyond that, there is nothing but his will and pride, showing that other people’s feelings are worthless and unimportant to him. He is a flat character, meaning he does not evolve throughout the play.
Characteristics of Catalinón
Catalinón was a popular way of referring to a coward. He is a rather complex character; his role is comical, serving as the *gracioso* (fool). He is Don Juan’s confidant and aide. He connects the audience with the play, conveying the scene to the public. He is an antihero: materialistic and roguish.
The Statue
The statue represents the will of God in action.