Baroque Lyricism and Theater in the 17th Century

Baroque Lyricism in the 17th Century

Features

• The artist seeks original creation, leading to the admiration of the reader.
• Tends towards balance, exaggeration, and the expression of strong contrasts.
• Nature and harmony are not considered a reflection of divine order.

Themes

• Love: Inspired by the Petrarchan ideal, but often appears with a tone of despair.
• Nature: No longer seen as an ideal world, an image of the divine, but used simply as a decorative background.
• Mythological Legends: Become topical and are used continuously, sometimes mechanically.
• Disappointment: Fear of the transience of time and pessimistic thoughts about death. Avoids ordinary burlesque.

Culteranismo

Seeks to impress the reader by using exaggerated language and literary devices. The metaphor becomes a constant and abundant means of expression, along with the use of Latin and anastrophe.

Poetry of Luis de Góngora

Luis de Góngora is the greatest representative of the literary current of Culteranismo. His production is abundant, with satirical compositions and love sonnets.

17th Century Theater

Lope de Vega created the comedia.

• Division of the play into three acts, or "days," instead of the five of classical literature.
• The events correspond to the exposition, middle, and end.

Themes

• Love: The trigger of the majority of conflicts. Conceived as an uncontrollable passion or as a noble and lofty sentiment.
• Honor: A personal and family characteristic according to which individuals are good people of clean blood.

Most Usual Characters

• The King: Represents power, prudence, and social conflicts. Restores order to support justice. If young, can be displayed as superb and even unfair.
• The Powerful: Proud of his lineage, acts as an antagonist, abuses his power, is evil and tyrannical. Punishment falls on him.
• The Knight or Gentleman: Appears as a parent, brother, or husband and oversees the family honor.
• The Actor and the Lady: Normally the main characters of the play, they are a couple of young lovers belonging to the same social group. They are noble, virtuous, and heroic.
• The Funny and the Maid: Characteristic of Baroque theater, usually the servant of the leading man and his friend and confidant.
• The Villain: A rich peasant, characterized by their sense of honor. When the powerful commits an injustice against him, he rebels and defends his rights.