16th Century Spanish Literature: Petrarchism, Poetry, Novel

Petrarchism and 16th Century Humanism

Italian poet **Petrarch** in the 14th century embodies like no other the characters and ideals of humanism. **Petrarchism** is a style or way of writing poetry.

Poetry in 16th Century Spain

There are two main trends in poetry: traditional Spanish and Italianate poetry.

Traditional Spanish Poetry

In the fifteenth century, there existed learned poetry and popular poetry. Popular poetry manifested itself, for example, in the romances. In the sixteenth century, both types of poetry continued, and poetry was widely cultivated. The popular lyric tradition continued throughout the century.

Italianate Poetry

Italianate poetry is another type of educated and innovative poetry that came to dominate in the sixteenth century.

Features of Italianate Poetry

• Complete and thorough restoration of metric poetry in Spanish.
• Italian influences not only affected metric aspects but also themes and attitudes.

Theater in 16th Century Spain

In the first half of the sixteenth century, popular theater or theater inspired by Italian models was represented in palaces. The theater would acquire Renaissance features.

The Novel in 16th Century Spain

The novel reached great development in the sixteenth century, culminating with the appearance of the works of **Cervantes**. In the first half of the sixteenth century, two types of narrative were born:

Types of 16th Century Spanish Novels

• The **realistic** novel, which pursued a faithful description of reality.
• The **idealistic** novel, of chivalrous and loving character, which describes a world of fiction.

Fray Luis de León

**Fray Luis de León** was an inheritor of Renaissance poems in form and content. He used Italianate stanzas and verses. His topical content is a classic combination of classical and religious issues. Fray Luis, both in prose and verse, was extremely careful with language and style. His original poetry is limited, reduced to about thirty compositions. Fray Luis also performed various translations of books, including the Bible and classical authors. In his prose, some translations of the Bible and two original works are distinguished.

Garcilaso de la Vega

**Garcilaso de la Vega** was born in Toledo into an illustrious family. He was married to Doña Elena de Zúñiga, but there were two other women who inspired Garcilaso to pour his passion into poetic words of love. He died as a result of wounds received while climbing a tower in the war the emperor waged against France.