Spanish Medieval Literature: An Overview
The Poetry of Oral Tradition
Oral poetry, characterized by its anonymity, was and continues to be a traditional art form. Juglares (minstrels) served as the primary transmitters of this poetry. Some of it has been preserved through oral tradition, while other parts were recorded in writing by individuals who recognized their value.
Lyric Poetry
Known for its concise and simple style, lyric poetry took various forms:
- Jarchas: Lyrical romances from Al-Andalus.
- Cantigas de amigo: Songs of a friend from
18th Century Spanish Literature: Enlightenment and Neoclassicism
The Encyclopedic Mind and the Rise of the Essay
The 18th century witnessed a profound impact of the encyclopedic mind on Spanish culture, with literary creation shifting towards research and teaching. The essay emerged as the predominant genre, serving educational and moralizing purposes. Initially, literature aimed to instruct society without direct criticism, but later evolved to critique societal customs.
Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1676-1764)
Feijoo’s polemical essays achieved widespread prestige.
Read MoreEarly 20th-Century Spanish Literature: Novel, Essay, and Theater
Early 20th-Century Spanish Literature
Novel and Essay
The realist and naturalist novel enjoyed a wide audience in the early twentieth century, with authors such as Blasco Ibáñez and his work The Barrack. Modernist narratives offered innovation, exemplified by Valle-Inclán. The Generation of ’98, including Baroja, Unamuno, and Azorín, also contributed significantly.
The essay was widely cultivated by authors of the Generation of ’98, including Unamuno and Azorín.
Miguel de Unamuno
Unamuno cultivated
Read MoreSpanish Literature from Enlightenment to Post-Franco Era
18th Century: Enlightenment
This era coincides with the Age of Enlightenment and the education of the people. Theater evolved from the Baroque period. Key figures include:
- Villaroel: Forecasts
- José Cadalso: Moroccan Letters, Lugubrious Nights
- Feijoo: Erudite and Curious Letters (considered the father of essayists)
- Jovellanos (1744-1811): Cultivated illustrated poetry, drama, and prose. He criticized Spain’s neglect and backwardness, proposing reforms on varied political and economic themes, often related
Introduction to Literature: Genres, Forms, and Elements
Literature: An Overview
Literature is the art of writing and reading, exploring beauty and pleasure through words.
Characteristics of Literary Texts
- Creates an imaginary reality
- Subjectivity (a particular vision of things)
- Literary language
- Uses figures of speech and expressive language resources
Literary Genres
- Epic: Fiction (e.g., novels)
- Lyric: Poetry
- Dramatic: Theater (plays)
Poetry
Derived from the Greek word “poiesis” (to create), poetry expresses feelings, emotional experiences, and the author’s personal
Read MoreMedieval & Renaissance Spanish Literature: A Comprehensive Guide
Medieval Spanish Literature
Middle Ages
Society and Economy
- Feudal System: Nobility (defense, privileged), Clergy (privileged, religious), Peasants (underprivileged).
Religion
- Geocentrism: God as the center of the universe.
Culture and Literature
- Clerics: Primary cultivators of culture.
- Languages: Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, and emerging Romance languages.
- Genres: Village lyric songs, noble epic poems.
Medieval Lyric
Traditional Lyric
- Jarcha (11th Century): Arabic or Hebrew, female voice, love themes.
- Cantigas de