Spanish Golden Age Literary Forms and Lope de Vega

Prose Fiction in the Spanish Golden Age

The Picaresque Novel

The pessimism caused by the decline of the political and economic boom of the peninsular kingdoms produced a strong bearish sentiment in literature. This pessimism finds its maximum expression in picaresque novels. The social and satirical characterization prominent in the Renaissance stage transforms into disappointment and nostalgia.

Therefore, the picaresque novels of this second period have certain differential features compared to Lazarillo de Tormes:

• The novel takes on more moralizing scenes, often captured in burlesque, and there is less psychological realism in them. The author seeks brilliance and is often detached from the character's actions.
• The main character remains an antihero, but their life serves as a means to formulate advice and moral lessons.
• The element of disgrace disappeared, which also changed the rogue's portrayal.
• La Pícara Justina, for example, indicates a clear moralizing intention.

The Lucianesque Sketch

This form arises from the realism of the picaresque novel. It incorporates elements of magic and fantasy while maintaining a moral and critical view of the world. Notable examples include Los Sueños and La Fortuna con seso by Quevedo.

The Short Story

Short stories are typically set in large cities and feature protagonists from the upper classes. The plot often revolves around themes of love and honor. Women begin to take an active part in the vicissitudes of love. Notable authors include:

• Alonso de Castillo Solórzano
• María de Zayas

The Byzantine Novel

This genre experienced significant development. Lovers are forced to separate and, after countless adventures, meet again, reinforcing their love. An exemplary work is Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda.

Novels Influenced by La Celestina

This type of novel is based on dialogue, similar to La Celestina. It deals with the influence of issues related to love and pimping.

Lope de Vega: Poetry and Works

Topics in Lope de Vega's Work

• Love
• God
• Faith
• Feelings

Lope de Vega's Style

• Life and Poetry: There is a close relationship between his eventful life and his poetry.
• Naturalness and Expressive Clarity: His manner of speech was far removed from artificiality: poetry, for him, was to cost great effort to write, yet little effort to read.
• Passion for the Romance and Rich Traditional Lyrical Forms: His romances were characterized by their speed and lack of narrative embellishments.

Lope de Vega's Works

His poetic output is extensive, but his theatrical production is even more so. He cultivated all verse forms, but especially used the romance and the sonnet.

His poetry includes three main collections:

• Rimas: Ranging from ballads to youthful sonnets. Many of his poems are on the subject of love, mythological, historical, and biblical themes.
• Rimas Sacras: Sonnets on religious themes.
• Rimas Humanas y Divinas del Licenciado Tomé de Burguillos: A collection of human and divine rhymes.