Celestina: Love, Greed, and Tragedy in 1499 Spain

Celestina: A Tale of Love, Greed, and Tragedy

Celestina, published in villages in 1499, was written in 21 acts by Fernando de Rojas. Key themes include love, greed that drives servants mad, fortune and blind chance responsible for human tragedy, magic, time, and social upheaval.

Social Context: The Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The old social order, dominated by the nobility, was being replaced by the high bourgeoisie. Traditional feelings of respect and loyalty between masters and servants were giving way to economic relationships. This shift led to the configuration of a new moral code based on individual consciousness and the desire for freedom.

Space and Time in Celestina

The plot unfolds in multiple locations, both interior and exterior. Rojas masterfully manages two timeframes: a short, continuous timeframe where the action progresses, and a longer timeframe where events occur off-stage. The dialogue adopts three forms of expression: oratory, parliaments, and extensive conversational exchanges. Monologues are used extensively for characters to vent emotions and provide context for the unfolding action.

Picaresque Novel Influences

Celestina shows influences from the emerging picaresque genre. Several circumstances influenced this: the social environment of the time, with demographic changes and individual mobility; growing discrimination based on blood purity experienced by some new Christians; the ideological opening under Carlos I; and the appearance of Erasmian ideals. This led to a literary reaction against chivalry books.

Key Features of the Picaresque Influence

• Anti-heroic Protagonist: The protagonist displays an attitude and lives based on tricks and traps.
• Humble Origins: The protagonist presents a basic genealogical background.
• Servitude: The protagonist works for many masters.
• Immediate Needs: Actions are driven by immediate needs, such as hunger.
• Resignation: The protagonist suffers hardships with resignation.
• Adaptability: The protagonist has great adaptability.
• Deformed Honor Code: The protagonist possesses a novel, deformed code of honor.

Characteristics of the Work

Celestina is a work of fiction based on episodic memory. The action is a touring narrative, and the events are subordinated to a predetermined end. It follows a time course, and there are temporary confluences.