Spanish Renaissance Literature: Theater and Novel Evolution

Theater in the 16th Century

In the first half of the sixteenth century, popular and Italian-inspired theater was performed in palaces, increasingly acquiring Renaissance features. Notable figures include:

• Juan del Encina: Eclogue of Placida and Victorian
• Torres Naharro: Hymen
• Gil Vicente
• Lope de Rueda: Known for his pasos, which were performed during the intervals of comedies and served as the antecedent to the entremeses.

Late 16th-Century Theater

In the second half of the sixteenth century, Juan de la Cueva became a precursor to the great theater of Lope de Vega. Characteristics of his work include:

• Incorporation of medieval heroes and epic themes.
• A mix of tragic and comic elements.
• Presence of both noble and plebeian characters.
• Structure consisting of four acts.
• Focus on national themes.

The Evolution of the Novel

The novel reached significant development in the sixteenth century, culminating in the works of Cervantes. During the first half of the century, two narrative types flourished:

• Realistic: Initiated by Lazarillo de Tormes, featuring a faithful description of reality.
• Idealistic: Chivalrous and romantic, describing a fictional world.

Books of Chivalry

Following Amadis of Gaul, books of chivalry saw great success. Authors like Feliciano de Silva created series such as Amadis and Palmerin, characterized by bombastic language and intricate adventures.

Novel Genres in the Late 16th Century

• Byzantine Novel: Adventure stories involving travel and lovers, typically concluding in marriage (e.g., Jungle Adventure).
• Picaresque Novel: Following the 1554 publication of Lazarillo, Mateo Alemán published Guzmán de Alfarache in 1599, which influenced Cervantes and defined the genre.
• Pastoral Novel: Focused on the refined love or heartbreak of shepherds (e.g., Diana by Jorge de Montemayor; Cervantes' La Galatea).
• Moorish Novel: Chivalrous and gallant tales idealizing the relationship between Arabs and Christians (e.g., History of Abindarráez and the beautiful Jarifa).

The Lazarillo de Tormes

Authorship and Publication

The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and of His Fortunes and Adversities was published in 1554 in Burgos, Alcalá de Henares, Medina del Campo, and Antwerp. Written between 1529 and 1532, earlier editions likely existed, but none contain the author's name. It is argued that the author remained anonymous to avoid potential repercussions from anti-clerical criticism influenced by Erasmus.

Argument and Masters

Lazarillo serves several masters: a clergyman, a nobleman, a friar, a pardoner, a tambourine painter, a chaplain, and a constable. Through these experiences, he learns to survive, eventually becoming a town crier and marrying the maid (and mistress) of an archpriest.