Ramon Llull's Doctrinal Literature: Christian Ideas and Defense

Doctrinal Literature

Doctrinal literature expresses Christian ideas and their defense. It prioritizes the message and utilizes formal and rhetorical literary techniques.

Ramon Llull (1232-1316)

Contemplation on God (1274)

Written in Arabic, Catalan, and Latin, this encyclopedic work contains Llull's core thoughts. He sought a method to effectively communicate his ideas through an 'Art,' central to his system. This 'Art' evolved throughout his life.

The Book of the Order of Chivalry (1276)

Addressed to knights, this work encourages them to strengthen Christian values. It appeals to the feudal world, emphasizing the role of chivalry in defending order and the Church's interests.

Book of Felix or the Book of Wonders

This work is biographical, ideal, and exemplary. It incorporates aspects of Llull's life and his journey toward religious realization and perfection. Felix's love overcomes temptation, leading him to become a reformer of the Church. Felix embarks on a journey to understand the world's reality and spirituality.

The Book of Beasts

This treatise on morality uses animal fables as allegories to express ideas figuratively, with didactic, aesthetic, or moral aims.

The Gentile and the Three Wise Men

Set within a framework of tolerance and respect, this work features a debate among three experts (Jewish, Muslim, and Christian) before a Gentile.

Ramon, Desconhort and Poetry

These famous poems reveal a discouraged mood, reflecting the fear of failure in his endeavors.

Literary Aspects

Llull's works, while not primarily literary, demonstrate a mastery of literary techniques, imaginative and persuasive abilities, and innovative use of language.

Troubadour Poetry

Troubadour poetry flourished in small feudal courts during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was produced in Occitan or Provençal, a poetic language.

Courtly Love

Courtly love is a central theme in troubadour poetry and much of medieval literature. It represents a new conception of love and civilized attitudes. The troubadour is the poet of courtly love, and minstrels interpret troubadour compositions.

Compositions

• Canso (Song): The most important vehicle for love poetry, with its own melody and five to seven stanzas.
• Alba: Expresses the sadness of separated lovers.
• Pastorela: Depicts the encounter and dialogue between a shepherdess and a gentleman attempting to seduce her.
• Sirventes: Captures the wisdom of historical and social reality.
• Planctus (Cry): Expresses lament for the death of a prominent person.
• Trobar leu (Easy find): Simple poetry focusing on the scope of word meaning.
• Trobar clus (Closed find): Complicated word meaning.
• Trobar ric (Rich find): Based on euphony and sonority of words, emphasizing sound over meaning.