Neoclassical Theater and Leandro Fernández de Moratín

Characteristics of Neoclassical Theater

Neoclassical theater is defined by its strict adherence to specific rules and aesthetic principles:

• Adoption of the Rule of the Three Units: This includes the units of action, time, and place.
• Separation of Genres: There is a clear distinction between the tragic and the comic. Themes are either classical tragedy or historical, while comedy focuses on the bourgeoisie.
• Dominant Themes: The action is governed by verisimilitude, decorum, and refined language.
• Didactic Purpose: Works were intended to be educational. While official performances sometimes failed to capture public joy, the intent remained moralizing and protective of social values.

Key Authors and Genres

The most representative author of this era is Leandro Fernández de Moratín. During this period, two major genres were cultivated:

Neoclassical Tragedy

Inspired by classical French authors, Nicolás Fernández de Moratín wrote tragedies of moderate interest, though he excelled as the author of the narrative poem "Bullfight in Madrid." Other notable works include:

• Vicente García de la Huerta: Author of "Raquel," which narrates the love between King Alfonso VIII and Raquel. It concludes with a conspiracy of nobles against the king, inspired by medieval themes.
• Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: Author of "Pelayo."

Comedy and Farce

Inspired by 17th-century authors like Molière, this genre focused on popular theater. Despite neoclassical aesthetics, some works continued the tradition of pasos and entremeses, treating varied topics comically.

• Ramón de la Cruz: Known for his sainetes such as "La Pradera de San Isidro" and "Manolo."
• Leandro Fernández de Moratín: His work is marked by order and sensibility. Although his plays sometimes lacked intensity, he excelled in comedy and cultivated other genres.

The Literary Contributions of Moratín

Poetry and Prose

Moratín wrote satirical poetry, such as "Satire Against the Vices Introduced into Spanish Poetry," and lyrical poetry, including "Elegy to Claudio" and "To the Muses." In prose, he is known for "The Defeat of the Pedants."

Dramatic Principles and Major Plays

Moratín’s theatrical characteristics include total subjugation to the rule of the three units and the verisimilitude of his plots. His works had a dual purpose: to delight and to provide didactic inspiration. His plays are characterized by their simplicity, psychological description of characters, and irony.

In his five written comedies, he explored two main tracks:

1. The freedom of choice in marriage.
2. The necessary equality between spouses regarding age and social situation.

Classification of His Comedies

• Satirical Comedies: "The New Comedy (The Café)" and "The Hypocrite" (La Mojigata).
• Social Comedies: "The Old Man and the Girl," "The Baron," and "The Maidens' Consent" (El sí de las niñas).

In all these works, he advocated for the right of women to choose their husbands freely, which was a significant and controversial topic at the time.