Key Literary Movements: From Renaissance Theater to Romanticism

The Theater in the 16th and 17th Centuries

The theater in the sixteenth century laid the groundwork for significant developments. This evolution would become the golden age of theater in the seventeenth century, branching into two main directions: the *Baroque theater* of Shakespeare in England and Lope de Vega and Calderón in Spain, and the *Classical theater* of Corneille and Molière in France.

Shakespeare is notable for his profound exploration of the human soul, expressing its innermost passions. He cultivated the three major dramatic subgenres: dramas, comedies, and tragedies. In his human tragedies, characters become symbols of humanity's great problems, such as love (Romeo and Juliet), indecision (Hamlet), and jealousy (Othello).

French Classical Theater in the 17th Century

Seventeenth-century French theater was greatly influenced by a strong desire for verisimilitude (realism). Hence, works were required to adhere to the rule of the three unities:

• Unity of Action: Adjusted to contemporary reality or history.
• Unity of Place: Confined to a single stage.
• Unity of Time: The action does not last longer than a day.

Additionally, tragedy had to be separated from comedy, pursue a moral purpose, and observe poetic decorum. Notable figures include Corneille and Molière. In Molière's comedies, the focus is on characters; the plot serves as a means to create a complete portrayal of characters. The protagonist typically embodies a flaw to the highest degree, as seen in The Miser and The Imaginary Invalid. All his works contain a moral purpose: to ridicule and denounce vices.

The Rise of the Novel in 18th Century England

The eighteenth century in England saw the consolidation of the most modern of literary genres, the novel, which achieved extraordinary quality and success. This great century of the English novel began with two seminal works: Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels.

Characteristics of Romanticism (up to Mid-19th Century)

Romanticism developed until the mid-nineteenth century. It is characterized by several key aspects:

• Individualism: Exalts the individual and their right to freedom (political, moral, religious, and artistic).
• Sentimentality: The cult of reason is replaced by the cult of feelings, which can lead to vibrant enthusiasm or deep despair and melancholy. These shifting moods are often projected onto the landscape, creating dramatic and nocturnal settings.
• Idealism: A clash with reality often leads authors to disappointment and a desire for escape. Life is seen as an insoluble problem, leading to two main attitudes: anxiety (resulting in abandonment or suicide) or escape (to exotic or imaginary places).
• Philosophical and Political Concerns: God, the meaning of life and death, and fate are central themes in many works.