La Celestina: Masterpiece of Spanish Literature

Origins and Publication of La Celestina

First published in 1499, coinciding with the invention of printing, the work initially carried no title. Later editions were titled Callisto and Melibea or Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea. The title The Matchmaker (La Celestina) originated from an edition published in Alcalá.

The Authorship of Fernando de Rojas

Fernando de Rojas stated that while in Salamanca, the first act of the play—written by an unknown author—fell into his hands. He liked it so much that he continued the work, writing the remaining 15 acts in just 15 days. While the author of the first act remains unknown, Rojas is the recognized author of the rest. Born in the village of Montalbán, Rojas was a converso (convert) and a Bachelor of Law who settled in Talavera de la Reina, where he served as mayor. He passed away in 1541.

Linguistic Style and Social Transformation

The language in La Celestina is noted for its variety and expressive richness, utilizing two distinct registers:

• Cultured: Rhetorical and full of Latinisms, parallels, and hyperboles. This is prominent when Calisto speaks or when his servants mock him.
• Colloquial: Expressive and sharp, featuring insults, short phrases, and slang.

A Society in Flux

La Celestina is a tangible example of the social transformation occurring at the time. New relations were established between different social estates: the bourgeoisie began to rival the nobility, and prestige was no longer based solely on lineage but on the possession of goods. The traditional bond between servants and masters broke down, replaced by purely economic relations and a new moral code where money became the primary form of payment.

Key Characters and Their Roles

The Servants: Sempronio and Pármeno

Sempronio and Pármeno are the servants of Calisto. Sempronio represents the false servant of Roman comedy; he places Calisto's love in the hands of Celestina to participate in the profits the old woman receives. Pármeno is a complex character who evolves from being a faithful servant to his master to embracing disloyalty.

Elicia, Areusa, and Pleberio

Elicia and Areusa: These prostitutes and lovers of the servants contrast with the relationship between Melibea and her lover. These two women become important when planning the events leading to the tragic conclusion. Pleberio: Melibea's father, who acquires significant importance in the final plant of the work.