Spanish Literature History: From Medieval to Realism
Medieval Literature Characteristics
The medieval period featured extensive narratives of epic verse, such as the Cantar de Mio Cid, which recounted the deeds of heroes. Theater originated within the church.
Key Medieval Authors
- Gonzalo de Berceo: Miracles of Our Lady
- Alfonso X the Wise: Cantigas de Santa Maria
- Don Juan Manuel: Count Lucanor
- Juan Ruiz: Book of Good Love
- Jorge Manrique: Stanzas on the Death of His Father
The Golden Age: Renaissance and Baroque (16th–17th Centuries)
Renaissance Features
Lyric poetry focused on themes of rebirth, love, nature, and myths from ancient Greece and Rome. Diverse novel genres emerged, including pastoral, romantic, picaresque (e.g., Lazarillo de Tormes), and chivalric tales. Theater was inspired by classical antiquity.
Renaissance Authors
- Garcilaso de la Vega
- St. Teresa of Jesus: The Interior Castle
- Fray Luis de León: The Retired Life
- San Juan de la Cruz: Spiritual Canticle
- Miguel de Cervantes: Don Quixote
Baroque Characteristics
The Baroque period was defined by an accumulation of artistic resources, the rise of the picaresque novel, and theater focused on love affairs and honor.
Baroque Authors
- Luis de Góngora: Solitudes
- Lope de Vega: Fuenteovejuna
- Francisco de Quevedo: The Life of a Scoundrel
- Calderón de la Barca: Life is a Dream
18th and 19th Centuries: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism
Neoclassical Features
This movement prioritized didactic purposes, clear language, and simplified characters. Reason was highly valued, with a dominant focus on the novel and drama.
Neoclassical Authors
- Leandro Fernández de Moratín: The Maiden's Consent
- Tomás de Iriarte
- Félix María de Samaniego
Romantic Characteristics
Romanticism emphasized the free expression of feelings and historical themes, with lyric poetry being the most cultivated genre.
Romantic Authors
- José de Espronceda: The Pirate's Song
- Mariano José de Larra: Fígaro
- Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Rhymes and Legends
- José Zorrilla
Realistic Characteristics
Realism focused on the problems of the time, reflecting reality objectively through cases based on everyday life, with the novel being the primary genre.