Lope de Vega's Theatrical Masterpieces and Baroque Drama

Lope de Vega: Fundamental Theatrical Ideas

Lope de Vega's fundamental ideas in theater include:

• Defense of the monarchy.
• Vindication of the concept of honor.
• Pride of belonging to the Spanish Empire.
• Sincere religiosity.

Simplicity of conflict approach and development dominate his work, driven by a strong dose of action and intrigue. The introduction of traditional and popular lyrical elements gives his work an inigualable poetic and popular atmosphere.

Three Best Known Work Types:

Spanish History and Legend, Swashbuckling, Romantic.

Case Study: Peribáñez and the Commander of Ocaña

A young farmer, Peribáñez, falls in love with Casilda during their wedding celebration. The Commander, upon a trip to Toledo, commissions a portrait of Casilda without her knowledge. Peribáñez sees this picture in Toledo and understands the Commander's intentions. While the husband is traveling, the Commander unsuccessfully tries to conquer Casilda. The Commander appoints Peribáñez captain of a company in Granada and is forced to name him a knight. Peribáñez distrusts the Commander. After a short trip, he returns home, surprising the Commander attempting to rape Casilda. Peribáñez kills the Commander. The King places a price on the farmer's head, but Peribáñez surrenders, and the King forgives him.

Case Study: The Gentleman from Olmedo

This play represents the love between Don Alonso, the gentleman who gives the work its title, and Doña Inés, a young woman refused to her suitor, Don Rodrigo. Alonso, an accomplished matchmaker, is acknowledged by his girlfriend. However, on the night of her return, she meets Don Rodrigo and Fernando, her brother, causing a fight from which they flee. Doña Inés's father insists she marry Rodrigo, but she pretends to avoid it by wanting to become a nun. She asks a Latin professor and a lady's man, Fabia, to help Alonso. The arrival of King Juan II coincides with bullfights where Rodrigo humiliates Alonso.

Alonso, returning to Olmedo, hears a farmer singing a premonition of death. He hesitates, but Fernando and Rodrigo prepare an ambush and kill him. However, the King will make them pay with their lives for the death of the Knight of Olmedo.

Tirso de Molina: The Great Dramatist

Tirso de Molina was the most important follower of Lope. He was a dramatist of great importance in the 17th century. He utilized the dramatic unities and mixed tragic and comic lyrical elements. He based his works on very different topics. His most famous and impactful work is The Trickster of Seville and the Stone Guest, which created the myth of Don Juan Tenorio.

Narrative Genres in the Sixteenth Century

• Books of Chivalry: Exploits of medieval knights.
• Pastoral Novel: Platonic love.
• Moorish Novel: Border romances and adventures between Moors and Christians.
• Byzantine Novels: Histories concerning two lovers.

Characters in the Baroque Theater

Baroque theater features types that reflect general human characters with permanent features and functions within the work. Fixed characters include the gallant man and lady, the servant(s), the father, the villain, or the rich farmer, among others.