Baroque Literature: Theater, Poetry, and Prose
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Baroque Literature
Baroque (17th Century Spain)
Characteristics
A cultural movement responding to the decline of Spain in the 17th century.
- Politics & Economy: Crisis and decline.
- Society: Increased power and wealth for the nobility, greater poverty for the masses.
- Ideology: Pessimism and disillusionment.
- Culture & Literature: Artistic splendor, complexity, and contrast.
Baroque Theater
Characteristics
- Three acts.
- Two intertwined plots.
- Mix of tragic and comic elements.
- Emphasis on action.
- Themes of love and honor.
Character Types
- Gallant/Lady
- Father/Brother
- Clown
- Powerful figure (e.g., King)
Key Authors
- Lope de Vega (Fuenteovejuna)
- Calderón de la Barca (Life is a Dream)
Baroque Poetry
Characteristics
- Blend of seriousness and humor.
- Renaissance themes with new perspectives.
- Classical and popular meter.
Key Authors
- Luis de Góngora:
- Gongorism (complex, elaborate style)
- Cultism (obscure vocabulary and allusions)
- Mythological themes
- Complex syntax
- Key Works: Fable of Polyphemus and Galatea, Soledades, Sonnets (love, mythology, satire, religion)
- Francisco de Quevedo:
- Satirical poetry (social and moral criticism)
- Love poetry (Petrarchism, humor, satire)
- Philosophical poetry (life, death, time)
Baroque Prose
Narrative Prose
- Novella: Introduced by Cervantes, focused on love and honor, featuring upper-class characters.
- Picaresque Novel:
- First-person narrative (memoir style)
- Protagonist of low social origin, serving multiple masters.
- Aspiration for social advancement through deceit and lies.
- Moralizing or humorous tone.
- Example: El Buscón by Francisco de Quevedo (mocking tone, lacking moral reflection).
Didactic Prose
Moralistic and philosophical works.
- Francisco de Quevedo: Dreams, The Hour of Everyone, Fortune with Judgment
- Baltasar Gracián: The Critic