Medieval Catalan Literature: Ramon Llull, Vicent Ferrer and Francesc Eiximenis

The Book of the Gentile and the Three Sages

This book presents a discussion on the truth or falsity of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In this work, Ramon Llull demonstrates great knowledge of Judaism and Islam, combining dialogue between scholars with three expansions. It serves as an idealized description of the lyrical nature of science and a vision of art as encyclopedic. It describes the general to explain the diversity of reality, offering an original compilation of similarities. These stories demonstrate concrete illustrations and constant abstractions, making the work a general treatise on all sciences.

Desconhort and Other Works

The Desconhort is a work written in verse that expresses the crisis of court life and possesses an autobiographical character. It includes a council and references to Our Lady of Holy Mary. The poetry within these works is heavily influenced by trobadoresca (troubadour) poetry.

Vicent Ferrer: Life and Mission

Born in Valencia in 1350, the son of a notary, Vicent Ferrer studied in Barcelona, Lleida, and Toulouse. In Valencia, he served as a master of theology at the cathedral while obtaining great influence as a minister in various sectors of society. He participated in the Compromise of Caspe and intervened in negotiations to resolve the Western Schism. In 1416, he began his last missionary trip, dying in Vannes, Brittany, in 1419.

Preaching Style

His preaching utilized elements to enhance the atmosphere of holy fervor, including:

• Penitents
• Processions
• Sermons

Ferrer achieved great success by utilizing resources that moved the audience, always maintaining emotional effects while grounding his message in the reality of doctrine.

Francesc Eiximenis: Intellectual and Counselor

Born in 1327, Francesc Eiximenis completed his intellectual formation at the universities of Oxford, Paris, and Toulouse. He devoted his life to preaching and teaching, acting as a counselor and trusted advisor in Valencia.

Major Works: The Christian

The Christian is an encyclopedia originally intended to have 13 books, though only four survive (1, 2, 3, and 12):

• Book 1: General introduction and analysis.
• Book 2: Study of the problem of temptation.
• Book 3: Concept of evil and sin.
• Book 12: Political principles governing cities.

This work is written in the vernacular. Eiximenis maintains a certain distance in all topics covered, utilizing irony when writing about politics, a subject he further explored in his publication, Regiment.