Medieval Catalan Literature: Llull, March, and Genres

Ramon Llull

Born in Mallorca in 1232. His primary mission was to convert unbelievers, writing books to spread the Christian faith, and creating schools to train missionaries. Died in 1315.

Characteristics of Llull's Prose

• Use of subordination
• Achievement of maturity in the Catalan language
• Rigorous and precise syntax
• Rich vocabulary
• Use of Catalan to address issues previously reserved for Latin

Narrative Works

Includes Llibre d'Evast e Blanquerna and the Book of Wonders (Llibre de meravelles). Their purpose is to illustrate his teaching; these books tell the journey of young men in search of ideals.

Didactic, Philosophical, and Religious Work

Promotes Christian piety and propagates his 'Art'.

Political and Social Themes

Yearning for a better society with authentic Christianity. Found in several books, including works on the order of chivalry.

Lyrical Prose

Focuses on religious and mystical aspects, responding to the educational purpose to promote love and devotion.

Medieval Catalan Literature

Major Historical Chronicles

Served to create a written record of important events and towns.

Folk Epic Poetry

Vernacular poetry recited by minstrels, recounting heroic deeds.

Scholarly Chronicles

Written in Latin for educated people, narrating quite remote events.

Troubadour Poetry

The linguistic context led to an increase in the importance of the Romance languages, and troubadour poetry appeared.

Courtly Love

Establishing a form of vassalage: the lover becomes the 'vassal' of a lady, adopting an attitude of supplication.

Troubadour and Jester

Troubadour: Composed poems, often musical, in the Occitan language.
Jester: Recited poems composed by the troubadours; could perform lyric or epic works.

Ausiàs March

Born near Valencia (Gandia) and was a man of arms.

Major Themes in March's Poetry

• Love and the relationship with the lady
• Morality and spirituality
• Death

Love

Presents a more human perspective, uses everyday language, and was the first major poet to write permanently in Catalan, replacing Occitan.

Morality and Spirituality

Poems deal with the concept of moral good and virtue.

Death

Includes six songs dedicated to his wife.

Occasional Poems

He also wrote poems addressed to a king or for specific events.