Narrative Elements and Medieval Catalan Literary Figures
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Narrative Elements and the Art of the Story
The Story: Narrative short prose based on imaginary facts.
A simple plot with few characters, primarily written with the fundamental aim to entertain.
Narrative Structure
- Initial situation: The setup of the story.
- Development of the action: The progression of events.
- Ending: The final resolution.
Literary Resources
- Storyteller: The voice relaying the events.
- Description: Detailing characters and settings.
- Dialogue: Can be direct or indirect.
Types of Narrators
| Internal Narrator | External Narrator |
|---|---|
| Protagonist: The main character tells the story. | Omniscient: Knows all thoughts and events. |
| Witness: A character who observes the action. | External Observer: Only reports what is seen. |
| Figure Observer: Limited perspective. | Editor: Presents the story as a found document. |
Grammar: Understanding Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
| Copulative | and, nor |
| Disjunctive | or, either |
| Adversative | But, however, even so, despite this, nevertheless |
| Distributive | either... or, now... now, one moment... the next |
| Consecutive | so, therefore, consequently |
| Continuative | Moreover, even, furthermore |
Subordinating Conjunctions
| Substantive | that |
| Temporal | when, before, while, since |
| Locative | where, from where |
| Causal | because, since, as |
| Final | so that, in order to |
| Conditional | if, provided that, as long as |
| Modal | as well as, as if, how |
| Comparative | as... as, such... as, more... than |
| Consecutive | that, so... that, such that |
| Concessive | Despite that, although, even though |
Prominent Medieval Authors
Francesc Eiximenis
Born in Girona, he entered the Franciscan order. He was a scholar who studied and traveled throughout Europe. In Valencia, he served as a director of the city, where much of his work was focused.
- Regiment de la Cosa Pública: A work on civic governance.
- Lo Crestià: A massive set of twelve books intended as an encyclopedia of contemporary knowledge.
Vicent Ferrer
He was devoted to preaching. He did not write his sermons in advance; instead, scribes recorded his words while he spoke. His sermons followed a specific structure:
- Introduction: A biblical example.
- Development: A brief explanation of the previous example.
- Division: A thematic section where the central theme is explored, leading to a conclusion.
Anselm Turmeda
Born in Majorca, he also joined the Franciscan order. However, in 1385, he traveled to Tunis and embraced Islam. His notable works include:
- Llibre de bons amonestaments: A book of advice.
- Cobles de la divisió del regne de Mallorca: Verses on the division of the kingdom.
- Disputa de l'ase: A debate between a friar and a donkey.
The Royal Chancellery
Created in the early 13th century, the Royal Chancellery was in charge of the correspondence and archives for all administrations of the Crown of Aragon. This institution developed linguistic rules that were obligatory for all officials, acting as a unifying and cohesive force for the language. It existed until 1494, when its duties were transferred to the Council of Aragon.
The Tradition of Courtly Love
This refers to a form of adult love where the poet falls in love with a married woman. To protect her identity, her real name never appears; instead, a pseudonym or "senyal" is used.
- The Lady: Referred to as Domna (the Midons).
- The Troubadour: Referred to as Hom (the vassal).
- The Deceived Husband: Referred to as Gilós.
- The Slanderers: Referred to as Lausengiers, who reveal the secret affair.
The Work of Ausiàs March
Ausiàs March produced a significant body of 128 poems, categorized into three main themes:
- Love Songs (Cants d'amor): Full of wisdom and complex metaphors, such as "Lily among thorns" (Llir entre cards).
- Songs of Death (Cants de mort): Six compositions where the poet reflects on the passing of his beloved.
- Spiritual Chant (Cant espiritual): A profound reflection where the poet speaks of his soul and the future after death.