Spanish Renaissance Literature: A Golden Age of Arts and Letters

Posted on Sep 21, 2024 in Music

1. The Renaissance (16th and 17th Centuries)

Spain’s Dominance in Europe

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods (also known as the Golden Age), Spain experienced a time of great splendor in arts and literature. This ideological and artistic movement, which originated in Italy, sought to revive the classical world and brought about significant historical, social, religious, and cultural changes. The Renaissance introduced a modern outlook characterized by:

  • Creation of an Empire: The Catholic Monarchs conquered Granada in 1492, leading to the unification of Spain. The annexation of Navarra in 1512 and the conquest of America further expanded the empire. With the ascension of Charles I of the Habsburg dynasty, the Spanish Crown united with Austria, France, the Low Countries, and northern Italy, establishing Spain as a major power. Charles’s son, Philip II, inherited the crown of Portugal, further solidifying Spain’s dominance.
  • Geographical Discoveries: Advancements in nautical navigation and technology, along with existing knowledge and the use of the compass, made these discoveries possible.
  • Rise of the Bourgeoisie: While the medieval social structure remained largely intact, the Renaissance saw the development of cities, trade, and banking. The bourgeoisie gained power and affluence, while Jews were often considered part of the working class and looked down upon by the nobility.
  • The Reformation: Martin Luther’s call for church reform in 1519 led to the rise of Protestantism and Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church. This division of Europe marked the beginning of the Counter-Reformation. Concerns about blood purity led to the persecution and expulsion of Jews and Muslims by the Inquisition.
  • Overcoming Scholasticism and the Rise of Platonism: Renaissance thinkers moved away from the scholastic tradition and embraced Platonism. They sought to emulate the purity of Latin style found in classical authors like Horace and Cicero. Humanism placed emphasis on man’s moral attitude and intellectual reflection, promoting anthropocentrism without abandoning the concept of divinity. It encouraged the development of human qualities to enjoy earthly pleasures. Two aspects of Renaissance Humanism were:
    • Erasmianism: This movement, inspired by Erasmus of Rotterdam, advocated for inner religiosity and criticized outward displays of religious practice.
    • The Renaissance Man: Baldassare Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier presented a model for the ideal Renaissance man, emphasizing a balance of virtues in both body and soul, elegance, simplicity, and naturalness.

2. Humanism

Origins and Principles

Humanism, originating in Italy, focused on the study of classical languages. The poet Francesco Petrarca dedicated himself to the study of Latin, seeking to recover its purity and emulate the style of classical authors. Humanism placed human beings at the center of intellectual and moral reflection (anthropocentrism) without denying the existence of God. It emphasized the development of human qualities and the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. This philosophy is reflected in works like Don Quixote and Lazarillo de Tormes.

3. Contrasting Worldviews

Theocentrism vs. Anthropocentrism

The Renaissance witnessed a shift from a theocentric worldview to an anthropocentric one:

  • Theocentrism: God is the center of the universe. Theology is the primary source of knowledge. Religious life is characterized by Bible readings, prayer, meditation, and a focus on spiritual matters. Creative works are often anonymous and seen as a collective effort.
  • Anthropocentrism: The universe and nature are objects of study and admiration. Greco-Roman myths are revived, and earthly pleasures are seen as gifts from God. Individual freedom and responsibility are emphasized. Artists sign their works and seek recognition for their individual contributions.

5. Lyric Poetry of the Early Renaissance

Italian Influence

During the reign of Charles I, there was a revival of poetry inspired by Italian forms. Two trends emerged: one that embraced the Greco-Roman heritage (“Italianate poetry”) led by Juan Boscán and Garcilaso de la Vega, and another that adhered to the traditional Castilian style, represented by Cristóbal Castillejo.

5.1 Garcilaso and the New Poetry

Boscán and Garcilaso introduced Italian meters and lyrical styles, renewing Spanish poetry. These innovations included:

  • Metrics: The traditional medieval verses were replaced by the hendecasyllable and heptasyllable, used alone or in combination. Sonnets, tercets, liras, and silvas became popular forms.
  • Themes: Love, particularly the unrequited love for an idealized woman, became a central theme, along with melancholy, pain, and descriptions of nature. Poets explored the contrast between the city and the countryside, emphasized the importance of enjoying youth (carpe diem), and incorporated elements of Greco-Roman mythology.
  • Language and Style: Poets sought naturalness, harmony, and elegance, using adjectives sparingly and avoiding the excessive enumerations and repetitions characteristic of medieval poetry.
  • Authors: Garcilaso de la Vega, a courtier and soldier, exemplified this new style. His poetry reflects his intellectual life and experiences in the service of Charles I.

5.2 Traditional Poetry

Poets like Cristóbal Castillejo continued to cultivate the traditional Castilian lyric forms, using octosyllabic verse and other traditional meters. Castillejo served as a diplomat under Charles I and defended the traditional poetic style.

6. Lyric Poetry of the Second Renaissance

National Trends

During the reign of Philip II, Spain’s political and cultural landscape changed. While still a major power, Spain became more isolated culturally. This period saw the rise of national trends in poetry:

  • Salamanca School: Led by Fray Luis de León, this school emphasized reflection, imagination, and moral and religious themes. Their poetry is characterized by balance, conciseness, and philosophical depth.
  • Seville School: This school, associated with aristocratic circles, cultivated a more elaborate and ornate style. Fernando de Herrera, a prominent figure in this school, explored patriotic themes, love, irony, and satire. Their poetry is known for its brilliant use of language and sound.

6.2 Religious Poetry: Asceticism and Mysticism

The Counter-Reformation had a profound impact on literature. Two main currents emerged: asceticism, which emphasized self-discipline and spiritual exercises to achieve perfection and salvation, and mysticism, which sought a direct and ineffable union with God.

St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite friar and one of the greatest Spanish mystics, wrote profound and influential poetry. His major works include:

  • Spiritual Canticle: An allegorical poem depicting the soul’s journey to unite with God (represented as the Beloved). The soul seeks the Beloved in a dark forest, asking creatures of nature for help, and finally finds the Beloved in a beautiful and intimate dialogue.
  • Dark Night of the Soul: Similar to the Spiritual Canticle but shorter, this poem describes the difficult and purifying process the soul undergoes to reach union with God.
  • Living Flame of Love: This poem expresses the ecstatic union of the soul with God. St. John also wrote prose commentaries on his poems, explaining their mystical and religious meaning. His poetry can also be interpreted on a profane level as an allegory of human love.

St. John’s poetry combines elements of Renaissance aesthetics with popular lyricism and uses vivid metaphors and symbols to express complex metaphysical concepts.