Literary Movements in Catalan Culture (16th–18th Century)

Modern Catalan Literature: 16th to 18th Centuries

Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, Catalan literature experienced negative changes in its evolution. This period led to a gradual loss of national freedoms under increasingly centralized rule.

The Duality of Catalan Literature (16th–18th C.)

A significant duality occurred between serious literature and popular literature:

• Serious Literature: Experienced a major setback. However, Catalan literature of these centuries reflects the same major periods found across Europe.
• Popular Literature: Maintained its strength because the Catalan language remained the only one spoken and heard, keeping it close to the Catalan people.

Serious Literature Movements

The three main movements of this stage are the Renaissance, the Baroque, and the Enlightenment (Illustrated Literature).

1. Renaissance Literature

Emerging in Italy at the end of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance spread throughout Europe. It represents the triumph of humanism and the adoption of classical culture as a model.

Key Characteristics:

• Poetry: Catalan Renaissance poetry remained fairly faithful, imitating the influence of medieval authors in the style of Ausiàs March.
• Prose: Cristòfor Despuig is a notable figure in the field of prose.

2. Baroque Literature

This movement developed during a period of crisis in Europe. The worldview was deeply pessimistic, emphasizing the importance of the religious spirit and the pervasive presence of death.

Representative Authors:

• Francesc Vicent Garcia: Known for obscene and satirical poems with eschatological intent.
• Francesc Fontanella: Focused primarily on the theme of love poetry.

3. Illustrated Literature (The Enlightenment)

The eighteenth century saw increased interest in history and language. Poetry continued largely in the Baroque style. This period began the recovery of narrative forms that had been abandoned since the Golden Age.

The greatest exponent of Illustrated Literature was in the theater, notably Joan Ramis.

Popular Literature

Popular literature embraced different genres and featured both secular and religious themes.

Main Features of Popular Literature:

• It was transmitted orally, leading to variations and changes.
• It was often linked to music and sometimes to dance.
• It is anonymous and expresses the feelings of an entire community.
• The Romance (Ballad) is the most common form in poetry.

Important Compositions:

The most important compositions include:

• Joys (Goigs)
• Carols
• Tambourine songs
• Corrandes
• Shepherd songs
• Tales and legends