Renaissance Prose and Novel: Key Authors and Literary Styles

Renaissance Prose

Types of Prose

Historical Prose

Spanish historical prose was heavily influenced by the humanist doctrines in vogue at the time. Key figures include Diego Hurtado and Jerónimo de Zurita. Objectivity is considered its fundamental characteristic.

Didactic Prose

Cultured humanists imitated Latin models, reflecting the concerns of the era, such as heroism. Notable authors include:

• The Valdés Brothers: Known for their use of dialogue.
• Huarte: Author of The Examination of Men's Wits.

Religious Prose

Key highlights include:

• Fray Luis de León: Devoted to poetry but also authored significant prose works, such as The Perfect Wife.
• Santa Teresa: Wrote The Book of Her Life, The Foundations, and The Way of Perfection, providing ascetic advice to nuns in the convents she founded.

The Renaissance Novel

Prose Fiction Categories

There are two primary types of novels:

1. Idealistic Novels

Set in fantastic landscapes, these include:

• Chivalric Romance: A transformation of the medieval epic poem, incorporating fantastic elements.
• Moorish Novel: Features the worship of the lover, blending chivalrous and gallant Muslim themes.
• Byzantine Novel: Derived from Greek translations, featuring travels and adventures interspersed with sentimental plots.
• Pastoral Novel: Characterized by idealized nature, refined shepherds, complex actions, and cultivated language.

2. Realistic Novels

These attempt to accurately reflect the authentic world. The most prominent example is the picaresque novel.

Miguel de Cervantes

Cervantes' life spanned two centuries: the 16th, where he formed his literary taste, and the 17th, where he composed his major works. While he experimented with all genres, he is best known as a novelist, particularly for Don Quixote.

Life of Cervantes

Born in Alcalá de Henares, he likely studied in Valladolid, Córdoba, Seville, or Madrid. He traveled to Rome to enlist in the army and participated in the Battle of Lepanto. He was taken prisoner and spent five years in captivity before being rescued by the Trinitarian Fathers.

Literary Works

Cervantes wrote poetry and theater, with representative comedies such as The Bagnios of Algiers. His narrative contributions include:

• La Galatea (his first novel)
• The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda
• Novelas ejemplares
• Don Quixote (his most famous work)