Rinconete y Cortadillo: Literary Elements and Themes

Rinconete's Impressions of Monipodio's House

Among the things that impressed Rinconete most are the use of certain words, of course incorrect, that he had never heard. Another aspect is the certainty that all who formed the guild had of going with God to the Kingdom of Heaven, despite being full of sin and wrongdoings. He was also struck by the respect and admiration that all members of the brotherhood had for Monipodio.

Police Authority and Justice in Seville

Yes, a reference can be found: Seville's justice is described as neglected for such an important and populous city.

Organization of This Literary Selection

It is divided into three parts or units:

• The first refers to the brotherhood: their customs, attitudes, and members.
• The second relates to the poor organization of justice in Seville and Rinconete's surprise at this aspect.
• The third relates to the end of the novel, mentioning only a stay in the guild for months without many details.

Narrative Mode and Narrator in the Fragment

The narrator is an external character who, unlike at the beginning of the story, now knows all about the characters. Therefore, it is an omniscient narrator.

Rinconete's Perspective on the Brotherhood

Yes, Rinconete is responsible, not Cortadillo. The role Rinconete played granted him an understanding of good language and allowed him to comment on things he knew, to a lesser extent, about the subject. Cortadillo is not mentioned because his dismay at the situation prevents him from saying anything.

Treatment of Time in the Fragment's Structure

The structure of time in this piece is initially in the past, but a final speech hints at the future, as if to imply there will be a follow-up to the novel.

Rinconete y Cortadillo: An Open or Closed Novel?

This is a novel that leaves the ending open to the reader's imagination, suggesting that a sequel might still be anticipated or lacking.

Striking Stylistic Features of the Fragment

Besides the many literary figures repeated throughout the novel, a particularly curious narrative technique is emphasized: it provides an open ending, allowing the reader and their imagination to decide an end for each character.