Medieval and Renaissance Literary Genres in Spain

Traditional Lyric Poetry

Traditional lyric poetry is anonymous, uses clear and direct language, and is transmitted orally by bards (minstrels).

Regional Forms and Themes

• Al-Andalus: Jarchas (verses written in a Romance language).
• Galician-Portuguese Area: Cantigas de amigo (songs of the friend).
• Catalan-Provençal Area: Cantigas de donzela (songs of the maiden).
• Castilian-Aragonese Area: Villancicos (carols).

The themes of these lyrics center on love and traditional subjects.

Cultured Lyric Poetry

Cultured poetry is attributed to a specific author. The language used is more complex (closed), influenced by troubadour and Italian lyrics. These works were created in writing and collected in cancioneros (songbooks).

Key Authors and Themes

• Important Authors: Jorge Manrique, Juan de Mena, El Marqués de Santillana.
• Themes: Courtly love, biblical narratives, mythological stories, and historical events.

Mester de Juglaría (Minstrelsy)

In the twelfth century, vernacular literature appeared on the Iberian Peninsula. This tradition was transmitted orally by minstrels (juglares), who recited poems in the streets and castles in exchange for food, clothing, or money.

Mester means "trade" or "craft." The Mester de Juglaría refers to the craft of the minstrels, whose stories often recounted the exploits of a hero. Minstrels were versatile entertainers, also serving as acrobats, jugglers, dancers, and musicians.

Characteristics of Mester de Juglaría

• Anonymous authorship.
• Written in verse (often irregular meter).
• Sung or recited publicly.
• Transmitted orally from generation to generation.
• The most prominent example is the Poema de Mio Cid.

Mester de Clerecía (Clergy)

Beginning in the thirteenth century, clerics recognized that most people did not understand Latin. They decided to write their knowledge and teachings in Castilian.

Characteristics

• Cultivated and careful language.
• Written in verse, primarily using the cuaderna vía (a specific four-line stanza).
• Didactic purpose (written to teach).
• Themes are predominantly religious.

Key Authors and Works

• Gonzalo de Berceo: Milagros de Nuestra Señora (Miracles of Our Lady).
• Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita: Libro de Buen Amor (Book of Good Love).

The Poem of the Cid (Cantar de Mio Cid)

Date and Authorship

While many theories exist, the generally accepted date of composition is circa 1207. The author is often cited as Per Abbat, though experts debate whether he was the original minstrel or merely the copyist.

Structure and Parts

Although presented as a continuous text, internal references suggest the poem is divided into three main parts (cantares):

1. The Song of Exile (Cantar del Destierro).
2. The Song of the Wedding (Cantar de las Bodas).
3. The Song of the Outrage at Corpes (Cantar de la Afrenta de Corpes).

The narrative follows a bipartite structure focused on the restoration of honor: first, regaining his public honor (wealth and status); second, regaining his private honor (avenging his daughters).

The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes (1554)

This seminal work of the picaresque genre was published anonymously in 1554.

Structure and Narrative

The narrative is a written account told in the first person (autobiographical form), starting from the end of Lázaro's life and looking back to the past (caso) to justify his actions and how he achieved his current position (becoming the town crier) through cunning and craftiness.

Organization and Themes

• Organization: Divided into a prologue and seven treatises (chapters).
• Main Themes:
  • The pervasive hunger of Lázaro, which justifies his many actions.
  • Sharp anticlerical criticism.
  • The hypocrisy of appearances (honor vs. reality).

Evolution of Theater in the Renaissance

The Renaissance period saw significant advancements in theatrical practice:

Improvements in Representation

• Creation of the corral theaters (public courtyards converted into venues).
• Development and refinement of stage sets and costumes.

Institutional Development

• Establishment of professional theater companies and guilds.
• City councils and religious bodies employed these companies for religious festivals or to stage performances honoring the nobility and monarchs.