Courtly Love Traditions and the Poetry of Ausiàs March

The 12th Century: A Period of Transformation

The 12th century marked a time of major structural changes in Western economic and social development. This era saw significant commercial and economic improvements, alongside the appearance of new cultural forms. Pilgrimages contributed significantly to this increased dynamism as people sought spiritual benefits. During this time, new artistic styles developed: the Romanesque and the Gothic. A new human model emerged—cultured, refined, and appreciative of art and music—giving rise to the birth of courtly culture. Among the main languages used in the courts, the influence of King Alfonso II stands out.

General Characteristics of Troubadour Lyric

Courtly Love (Fin'amor) flourished between the 12th and the end of the 13th century. While scholars previously wrote in Latin, the troubadour was the first artist to use a Romance language, specifically Occitan, for lyric poetry. There were also female troubadours, known as trobairitz. The joglar (minstrel) was responsible for performing and spreading the troubadours' compositions. The most well-known genre of this period is the canso (song).

The Rules and Features of Courtly Love

Courtly love was a gallant game designed for the nobility, centered on the beauty, wisdom, and power of a married lady of high social standing. Key features include:

• The Troubadour's Goal: The poet courts the lady to gain favors, love, or protection.
• The Senhal: The lady is addressed by the poet using a pseudonym or senhal to maintain anonymity.
• Secrecy and Control: The ritual requires keeping the affair secret and maintaining mesura (emotional control).
• The Jealous Husband: If the husband or lauzengiers (slanderers) discover the affair, they are portrayed as obstacles.
• The Final Couplet: The troubadour often places his senhal in the final stanza.
• Vassalage Metaphor: The relationship mirrors feudalism; the lady is the midons (lord) and the troubadour is her vassal.
• Stages of Love: The poet progresses through four stages: fenhedor (suitor), pregador (supplicant), entendedor (recognized suitor), and drutz (lover).
• Unconditional Devotion: Total delivery to love is a condition every good troubadour must fulfill.

Ausiàs March: The Life of a Great Poet

Ausiàs March came from a family of knights and poets. He participated in the military campaigns of King Alfonso V of Aragon and was rewarded with the title of Royal Falconer. He devoted much of his life to managing his properties and writing poetry. He was married to Isabel Martorell, the sister of Joanot Martorell (author of Tirant lo Blanch). After Isabel's death, he married Joana Escorna, from a wealthy Valencian family. Although he had no children, his poetic production is considered the most significant of the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Distinctive Features of Ausiàs March’s Poetry

• The Ultimate Lover: The poet considers himself the greatest of lovers.
• Introspection: He describes himself through his poetry, focusing on the experiences and thoughts that torment him.
• Realistic Portrayal of Women: Unlike the idealized lady of courtly love, March views women as real beings with both qualities and defects. He is attracted not just by physical beauty or social status, but by their intellect and character.
• Language: His poems were written in Valencian, marking a departure from the Occitan tradition.