San Juan de la Cruz & Spanish Renaissance Novel Genres
Classified in Latin
Written at on 
English with a size of 3.39 KB.
San Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591)
San Juan de la Cruz undertook to reform the Carmelite order, aiming for monks to return to a more austere and contemplative lifestyle. His reform efforts led to his imprisonment.
Major Works
- Dark Night of the Soul
- Spiritual Canticle
- Living Flame of Love
Literary Style and Influence
His literary style was influenced by Italian metrics (like the lira) and biblical texts. He expressed the union of the soul with God as a loving relationship, where the soul (the beloved) seeks Christ (the Beloved). He utilized symbols drawn from nature, such as the night and fire.
Lasting Relevance
Centuries later, his work influenced the poetic current known as Symbolism, which recognized San Juan de la Cruz as an important forerunner.