Evolution of Poetry and Prose: From Troubadours to Humanism
Survival of Troubadour Poetry
From the fourteenth century onward, European society shifted away from the strict feudal system. The growth of large cities gave way to an urban culture characterized by the emergence of a new social class: the bourgeoisie. Although Catalan-speaking society was deeply involved in this change, poetry based on the troubadour model continued to thrive into the 15th century.
Floral Games
In 1323, the Consistory of the Gaia Science was created to organize an annual poetry contest.
Read MoreThe Evolution of Catalan Poetry: From Troubadours to Ausiàs March
The Golden Age of Catalan Poetry
From Troubadour Tradition to Renaissance Influences
Early Influences (Late 14th – Early 15th Century)
Jaume March (1335?-1410) and Pere March (1338?-1413), father and uncle of Ausiàs March, respectively, represent the link to the troubadour tradition. Jaume, maintainer of the poetic Consistory of Barcelona and author of a rhyming dictionary, and Pere, defender of moral values in society and introducer of lyrical classes, helped shape the poetic landscape of their time.
Read MorePre-Renaissance Literature: A Transition to Humanism
The Pre-Renaissance: A Period of Transition (15th Century)
The 15th century witnessed a crisis in the medieval value system. A new mentality, more grounded in reality, gradually emerged, foreshadowing the Renaissance (16th century). This era is known as the Pre-Renaissance, a period of transition.
Society and Culture:
- The rise of a new social class: the bourgeoisie, fueled by flourishing commerce.
- Towns, linked to trade, gained importance, and the court played a crucial role in cultural development.
Miguel de Cervantes and the Baroque
Miguel de Cervantes
Early Life and Military Career
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547. In 1569, he traveled to Italy. In 1571, he participated as a soldier in the Battle of Lepanto, where injuries sustained during the battle left him with limited mobility in his left arm. He continued his military service for a period before returning to Spain, where he was captured by Turkish pirates. Held captive in Algiers, he remained imprisoned for five years (1575-1580). After
Read More20th Century Spanish Theater: From Benavente to Valle-Inclán
20th Century Spanish Theater
Early 20th Century Theater
The theater before the Civil War had been stagnant and limited. The successful commercial theater followed several trends. Galdós introduced naturalism, portraying real environments and controversial issues. Jacinto Benavente shaped the new writing style with works featuring minimal conflict and witty dialogue. He wrote comedies and highlighted the struggles of the unloved bourgeois. Costumbrista comedies, poetic drama, and astracán theater
Read MoreEuropean Literature: Shakespeare, Molière, Lope de Vega & More
European Literature: A Journey Through Time
Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Little is known about the private life of the universal playwright William Shakespeare. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he had a broad cultural background but did not attend college. By 1592, he resided in London, where he devoted himself to the theater as a member of the King’s Men and as a theatrical entrepreneur. His renowned tragedies include Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, while his celebrated comedies include A Midsummer
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