17th-Century Spanish Literature: Picaresque to Religious Prose

17th-Century Spanish Prose

Picaresque Novel

In the early 17th century, pessimistic literature emerged, reflecting social and satirical disappointment. Works like Guzmán de Alfarache (Mateo Alemán) and El Buscón (Francisco de Quevedo) showcase a moralistic shift. The rogue's role diminished, as seen in The Life of Squire Marcos of Obregón (Vicente Espinel) and La Pícara Justina.

Lucianesco Tales

Inspired by picaresque realism, Lucianesco tales incorporate magical elements and imaginative developments while maintaining a moral and critical worldview. Examples include Los Sueños (The Dreams) and El Diablo Cojuelo (The Devil on Two Sticks) by Quevedo and Luis Vélez de Guevara, respectively.

The Novella

These short stories, set in large cities, feature upper-class characters and revolve around love and honor. Notable authors include Alonso Castillo Solórzano (Tardes entretenidas) and María de Zayas (Novelas amorosas y ejemplares), whose feminist didacticism set her apart.

Byzantine Novel

Lovers are separated and, after numerous adventures, reunite, strengthening their love. A prominent example is Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda by Miguel de Cervantes.

Celestinesque Novel

This dialogue-driven novel, influenced by La Celestina, features intrigue, servants, and go-betweens. Lope de Vega contributed to this genre.

Quevedo's Prose

Picaresque Novel

Quevedo's El Buscón introduces changes to the picaresque: a dehumanized protagonist-narrator, an open ending, and a rogue who doesn't serve masters but experiences adventures reflecting Quevedo's societal critique.

Moral Satires

• Los Sueños: Using the literary device of dreams, Quevedo satirizes society through a series of cartoonish and satirical depictions.
• La hora de todos y la fortuna con seso: Jupiter, tired of complaints about fortune, convenes an assembly of gods and tasks Fortuna with distributing her gifts based on merit.

Political Works

• Política de Dios, gobierno de Cristo y tiranía de Satanás: Quevedo uses allegory to express his theories on good governance.
• La vida de Marco Bruto

Philosophical and Ascetic Works

Influenced by Seneca, works like La cuna y la sepultura reflect on life and death.

Religious Works

Quevedo wrote two lives of saints.

Festive Works

These short, satirical writings use humor, wit, and ridicule. Aguja de navegar cultos criticizes Gongorism and culto literary styles.