Ramon Llull's Epistola: Medieval Poetic Analysis

Ramon Llull's Epistola: A Poetic Analysis

This document discusses a significant poem by the Majorcan polymath, Ramon Llull, one of the greatest lyrical poets of his time. Among his works, the poem known as Epistola stands out. It possesses an autobiographical character, reflecting the style of a thirteenth-century troubadour whose compositions were performed publicly.

Llull's Background and Mission

Ramon Llull hailed from the nobility, a well-educated stratum capable of reading and writing. He famously abandoned his social status to preach to "infidel" ethnic groups, driven by a profound evangelizing desire.

The Epistola: Genre and Characteristics

The Epistola belongs to the literary genre of poetry, characterized by its use of verse and rhetorical figures for embellishment. While it can be categorized as troubadour poetry or even a love song, it distinguishes itself significantly. Unlike typical courtly love poems addressed to a lady, the Epistola is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who offers protection to the poet.

Poem Structure and Metrics

The poem consists of three stanzas:

• The first two stanzas comprise six decasyllabic verses and two octosyllabic verses each.
• The third stanza is a quatrain, consisting of four verses.

Its metrical scheme is complex, following patterns such as: 10A / 10b / 10a / 10b / 8a / 8a / 10c / 10c / 10a / 10b / 10a / 10b / 8a / 8a / 10a / 10a / 8b / 8a / 10a / 10a.

Themes of the Epistola

The central theme of the Epistola is courtly love, but uniquely directed towards the Virgin Mary. The poem sings praises to her, portraying her as the ultimate lady.

Argument and Content Breakdown

The poem's argument unfolds in distinct parts:

• First Two Stanzas: These octaves present the characteristics of the Virgin Mary, extolling her as the ideal lady.
• Last Stanza: This section contrasts the Virgin Mary's virtues with the shortcomings of others. It suggests that while many might offer superficial praise, the Virgin Mary's protection is invaluable. The text alludes to a comparison, stating that the author would not desire war but rather seek true context, possibly implying spiritual peace over worldly conflict.

Context within Llull's Works

The true context of this poem is found within the book Evast & Aloma, which is a part of Llull's larger work, Blanquerna. This connection highlights the poem's place within Llull's broader philosophical and theological narrative.

Rhetorical Figures Employed

Several rhetorical figures enhance the poem's artistry:

• Rhetorical Question: Found in verses 9, 10, and 11, where a question is posed and then immediately answered within the same verses. This also appears in verses 2 and 14.
• Hyperbaton: Present in verses where the grammatical order of the sentence is intentionally altered for emphasis or poetic effect.

Conclusion: Llull's Evangelizing Vision

In conclusion, the Epistola clearly demonstrates Ramon Llull's fervent evangelizing desire. Through this poem, he endeavors to promote Christian devotion and piety towards God and the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary.