Spanish Literature: Medieval Drama and 15th Century Court Poetry

Medieval Theater: Liturgical Origins

The liturgy was the engine of dramatic activity during the Middle Ages. The earliest preserved dramatic text is the Auto de los Reyes Magos (Play of the Magi Kings), which dates from the twelfth century. It preserves 147 polymetric lines.

The characters who dialogue are Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar, King Herod, and a group of scholars. The work is divided into five scenes:

1. Scene I: The Kings monologue about the potential significance of the star.
2. Scene II: They agree on the star's meaning and decide to manifest their purpose.
3. Scene III: The Kings inform Herod that a new king has been born and proceed to offer their gifts.
4. Scene IV: Herod gathers his court of wise men to determine if his reign is in danger.
5. Scene V: Scholars argue, and two rabbis clash over the meaning of the scriptures that prophesied the coming of Jesus Christ.

Profane Theater and Public Performance

Profane theater existed outside the church, utilizing the public square as its stage space. These performances were known as the games of ridicule and crazy parties.

The 15th Century: Pre-Renaissance Context

The fifteenth century marks the beginning of a change in thought, breaking with the medieval conception of the world.

Historical Events and Social Change

• Multiple acts of nobility fueled social revolts that grew in different parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
• The marriage between Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon consolidated power.
• The completion of the Reconquista.
• The economy experienced a crisis caused by social conflicts.

Thought and Culture

The era was characterized by the Rediscovery of Classical Antiquity and the rise of Humanist ideas.

Courtly Lyric Poetry of the 15th Century

This learned poetry, composed to be read, recited, or sung at court, is the most characteristic literary current of the fifteenth century. The language of court poetry is characterized by its great *artificiosidad* (artificiality) and the abundance of *hipérbatos* (hyperbaton).

Characteristics and Forms

The Troubadour Song

Treats the subject of courtly love (*amoroso*).

The Telling (Decir)

Specializes in moral, philosophical, political, or religious issues.

The Spread (Escondido)

Expresses a thought briefly and ingeniously.

The Gloss (Glosa)

Expands the contents of an initial short poem (*poemilla*), often of popular origin, by repeating one or more verses of the original as a finishing touch.

Questions and Discussions

Dialogued poetry focusing on philosophical, moral, scientific, or theological themes.