Spanish Renaissance Literature: Mystical Poetry and Prose

Ascetic and Mystical Poetry of the 16th Century

During the second half of the 16th century, poetic forms reconciled religious themes with Renaissance styles. Key figures include:

• Fray Luis de León: An author of religious poems relating to the classical world, utilizing Renaissance verse forms to speak of God's greatness as reflected in the universe, while proposing a model of conduct.
• San Juan de la Cruz: A monk who captured his religious experiences in his poems. To explain his mystical encounters, he utilized imagery derived from human love.

Renaissance Narrative Forms

The 16th century saw the development of several distinct narrative genres:

Chivalric Novel

These stories narrate the adventures of a knight who travels the world to face fantastic beings. The most famous example is Amadís de Gaula.

Byzantine Novel

This genre features a pair of young lovers forced to separate, both undertaking a long journey to reunite. Along the way, they experience dangerous adventures. A notable example is The Loves of Clitophon and Leucippe by Alonso Núñez.

Pastoral Novel

Actors are learned shepherds who recount their idealized romantic misadventures in an idyllic, unreal nature. Famous works include The Diana by Jorge de Montemayor and La Galatea by Miguel de Cervantes.

Moorish Novel

This genre recounts events between Moors and Christians during the Reconquista. The scenarios and characters are idealized. The most famous work is The Abencerraje and the Beautiful Jarifa by an unknown author.

Lazarillo de Tormes and the Picaresque

The first editions of Lazarillo de Tormes date back to 1554. This work, by an unknown author, introduced a new genre: the picaresque novel. The work is divided into three parts:

• Prologue: Lazarus addresses "Your Mercy," who has apparently asked him to explain the "case," or the situation in which he currently lives. He plans to recount his past life to explain his disgrace.
• Service and Struggles: The protagonist begins with miserable origins as the son of a miller. Through his experiences, Lázaro learns to fend for himself while serving different masters over the years.
• Current Status and the "Case": As an adult, Lazarus reaches some stability as a town crier in Toledo. However, he is charged with allowing his wife to be unfaithful with a priest.

Originality of Lazarillo

• Realism: It offers a realistic view of Spanish society.
• Protagonist: The rogue is a man without honor, born to parents of low status.
• Character Evolution: Lazarus changes as he fights against the odds to survive.