16th-Century Spanish Literature: Trends & Context

16th-Century Spanish Literature: Key Trends

Two main narrative trends emerged in 16th-century Castilian literature: idealistic and realistic novels. Idealistic narratives, such as sentimental novels and books of chivalry, initially triumphed. However, other forms appeared, including Moorish romances and the picaresque novel, known for its intense realism.

The Idealistic Novel

Several types of idealistic novels gained popularity:

• Novel of Chivalry: Set in the Middle Ages, featuring a knight as the protagonist (an epic hero).
• Pastoral Novel: Love stories between shepherds in a bucolic setting.
• Byzantine Novel: Adventures of a pair of high-born lovers.
• Moorish Novel: Action set in the Muslim world.

Lazarillo de Tormes: A Picaresque Masterpiece

The picaresque novel Lazarillo de Tormes represents a realistic and critical current in 16th-century literature. This anonymous work, written as an autobiographical epistle (a long letter), recounts the adventures of a young boy, Lazarillo, who serves many masters. The story presents an anti-heroic protagonist and a vulgar structure. It consists of a prologue and seven treatises. The novel follows Lazarillo's ironic and cynical development.

The central theme is mockery, blending humor with social and religious criticism. The language is natural, simple, and often colloquial, adding verisimilitude to the story. The style is straightforward, incorporating popular twists and sayings.

16th-Century Drama

In the first half of the 16th century, theater coexisted with early Renaissance court theater, highlighting figures like Juan del Encina and Gil Vicente. During the second half, professional acting companies emerged, with Lope de Rueda, an actor and playwright, standing out. He was a creator of Renaissance comedy and especially of *pasos*, a popular theatrical form.

Pasos were short comedic acts performed between the acts of a longer play. A similar, but more subtle form, was called *entremés*.

Historical and Cultural Context of the *17th* Century

History & Society

The 17th century in Spain was marked by social and political decay. It was the era of absolute monarchy, characterized by both luxury and misery, and a resurgence of old social and religious prejudices.

Culture

Culture was brilliant, ornate, and varied. It generally betrayed a deep pessimism, reflecting the climate of insecurity, confusion, and fear stemming from a social crisis that went beyond mere economics, affecting the conscience due to political and moral deterioration.

Arts & Literature

Baroque art tended to be complex and artificial. Its purpose was to impress or cause admiration, valuing disproportionate and overwhelming ornamentation. Baroque literature reflected the concerns and tastes of the time, reaching a particular depth when addressing the theme of disillusionment, the most characteristic sentiment of the period.

Conceptismo

Conceptismo was a Baroque aesthetic centered on the intellect, focusing on the play of ideas and expressive conciseness. It tended towards concise, elliptical language and often used derogatory metaphors. It was more common in prose than in poetry. Important authors include Francisco de Quevedo and Baltasar Gracián.

Culteranismo

Culteranismo was a derogatory name given to the style of Luis de Góngora, whose work was accused of being obscure. This trend, initiated by Fernando de Herrera in the second half of the 16th century, sought to create a poetic language distinct from common language. It intensified the accumulation of formal resources and Baroque elements. It employed brilliant and hyperbolic metaphors, imitated Latin syntax, and made numerous mythological allusions. It was cultivated more in poetry than in prose. In the 17th century, a simpler form emerged, thanks to Lope de Vega.