Spanish Literature: 14th to 16th Century Authors & Genres
The Picaresque Novel: *Lazarillo de Tormes* (1554)
Lazarillo de Tormes, first published in 1554 (Burgos, Antwerp, and Alcala de Henares), is a seminal work in the picaresque genre. The protagonist, Lazaro de Tormes, is a *rogue* who narrates episodes from his past life in the first person, in the form of a letter to “Your Excellency”.
Key Features of *Lazarillo de Tormes*:
- Realism: It offers a realistic, rather than idealistic, portrayal of 16th-century Spanish society, including its hardships.
- Protagonist: The rogue is the son of parents without honor, subject to mockery and deception, a stark contrast to the traditional heroic figure.
- Character Development: Lazaro’s character evolves as he navigates adverse conditions, shaped by his life experiences in his struggle for survival.
Fray Luis de Leon (1527-1591)
Fray Luis de Leon, an Augustinian friar and a prominent humanist, was a professor at the University of Salamanca. His works integrated elements of Greco-Roman culture with his religious background. He wrote both prose and verse, often employing the *lyre*, a metric of Italian origin also used by Garcilaso de la Vega.
Fray Luis de Leon’s life was marked by ideological conflicts with other entities. His finest lyrical works explore themes of spiritual peace and harmony with God’s universe. It is said that he found solace in the music of his friend Salinas, to whom he addressed the ode *A Francisco Salinas*. He also found peace in contemplating nature, as reflected in *Oda a la Vida Retirada* (*Ode to the Serene Night of the Secluded Life*).
San Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591)
San Juan de la Cruz, alongside Saint Teresa of Jesus, is a leading figure in mystical poetry in the Castilian tongue. This type of poetry articulates the experience of feeling united with God. San Juan de la Cruz used evocative language and symbols to express the journey of the soul towards union with God. A notable example is his poem *Dark Night of the Soul*, which depicts a young woman’s nocturnal quest for her beloved, representing God.
Theater of the 16th Century
The 16th-century theater shares similarities with the classical theater of the Golden Age. Notable authors of this period include Torres Nahar, Gil Vicente, and Juan de Encina, who is credited with creating the figure of the *fool*, a character known for his wit and a recurring figure in Baroque theater.
In the second half of the century, theater companies began performing in fixed locations called *corrales*. These were inner courtyards surrounded by blocks of flats, where a stage was set up. The general public stood during performances, while the wealthy and noble often occupied balconies. Theater became a primary leisure activity, fostering a vibrant social scene. Lope de Vega, an actor and playwright, emerged as a prominent figure in this environment. His works included *pasos*, short, humorous plays that reflected the customs of the time and often focused on a single character trait, such as avarice or ignorance.
Narrative Prose of the 14th Century
The 14th-century narrative prose encompasses a variety of novelistic genres:
- Romance of Chivalry: Narrates the adventures of a knight-errant who travels the world, battling fantastic beings in defense of justice and to demonstrate his love for his lady.
- Byzantine Novel: Features a pair of young lovers forced to separate, who then embark on a long journey around the world, facing dangerous adventures before finally reuniting and celebrating their marriage.
- Pastoral Novel: Characters are cultured and idealized shepherds who recount their romantic misadventures in an idyllic and unreal natural setting.
- Moorish Novel: Narrates events between Moors and Christians during the Reconquista. The settings and characters are idealized, often embodying chivalric traits.