Spanish Golden Age Literature
Lazarillo de Tormes and the Picaresque Novel
Clerical hypocrisy and the theme of honor are prevalent throughout the novel. The concept of honor is often based on appearances rather than reality, as seen with the Squire in the story. Lazaro, the protagonist, is a new type of hero: a common man, an antihero who breaks away from traditional heroic origins.
Style and language: The novel marks the beginning of Realism in Spanish literature, later perfected by Cervantes and other picaresque novels. The autobiographical narrative style uses colloquial language, creating a sense of authenticity and verisimilitude. Irony is also abundant.
Characteristics of the picaresque novel:
- First-person narrative
- Realistic events and adventures
- Rogue protagonist born into poverty and seeking social advancement
- Episodic structure with multiple masters
Fray Luis de Leon
His poems inherit Renaissance themes and forms, using Italianate verse structures like the lira. He combines classical literary topics with religious themes, demonstrating a refined language and style. His original poetry is often short, praising the desire for peace and spiritual fulfillment.
San Juan de la Cruz
Known for his short, mystical poems like “Dark Night of the Soul” and “Spiritual Canticle,” San Juan de la Cruz uses profound symbolism to explore spiritual themes.
Miguel de Cervantes
Poetry and Dramatic Works
Cervantes wrote poetry, including “Journey to Parnassus,” and several plays. His early dramatic works include the tragedy “The Siege of Numantia” and the comedy “The Gallant Spaniard.” Later, he wrote short interludes, such as “The Cave of Salamanca,” known for their wit, social satire, and dramatic skill.
Novels
La Galatea is a pastoral novel that enjoyed popularity during its time.
Novelas Ejemplares are twelve short novels exploring themes of love, infidelity, madness, social criticism, and picaresque adventures. They showcase Cervantes’s mastery of different narrative styles and his ability to depict both idealistic and realistic settings.
Don Quixote
The first part of Don Quixote was published in 1605, with a second part following later.
Part 1: The main narrative is interspersed with several interpolated stories, including sentimental tales, Moorish adventures, and Italianate novellas. These stories, while somewhat autonomous, contribute to the overall plot and the development of Don Quixote’s fame.
Part 2: The central story is less interrupted by interpolated tales, allowing for greater focus on the main characters and their interactions. Dialogue plays a more prominent role, deepening the psychological exploration of the protagonists.
Don Quixote and the Novels of Chivalry: Cervantes’s initial intention was to parody the novels of chivalry, which he saw as unrealistic and promoting outdated ideals. He created a humorous and thought-provoking story that critiques these novels while also exploring broader themes of idealism, reality, and the human condition.
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza: The two central characters represent contrasting perspectives. Don Quixote embodies idealism and fantasy, while Sancho Panza represents pragmatism and materialism. Their interactions highlight the complexities of human nature and the need for balance between these opposing forces.
Richness and Interpretations: Don Quixote is more than just a humorous tale; it delves into literary, moral, and religious questions. Its complexity has inspired numerous interpretations and continues to be a source of fascination for readers and scholars alike.
Style: Cervantes demonstrates absolute mastery of language and style, employing irony, humor, and a variety of registers to suit different characters and situations. Don Quixote’s speech is often archaic, while other characters use more contemporary language, reflecting their social status and education.