A Study of Medieval Spanish Prose and Journalism

Medieval Spanish Prose

Medieval prose experienced a late development. During the first centuries, Latin continued to be employed as the language of culture in legal, religious, and literary texts. It was Alfonso X the Wise, in the thirteenth century, who established Castilian as the official language.

Poem of the Cid

This is an epic poem that tells the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, the Cid, a Castilian nobleman who lived in the second half of the eleventh century. The poem recounts the loss and recovery of the Cid's honor after being unjustly exiled by King Alfonso VI. The work survives through a copy signed by a certain Per Abbat.

Gonzalo de Berceo: Miracles of Our Lady

Born in the late 12th century in Berceo (La Rioja), Gonzalo de Berceo spent his life in San Millán de la Cogolla. He is the first known author in the Castilian tongue. His masterpiece is a leading work of the Mester de Clerecía, consisting of 25 stories featuring the Virgin Mary. The structure of these stories is consistent: a sinner commits a transgression and is saved by the Virgin.

Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita: Book of Good Love

Serving as the Archpriest of Hita (Guadalajara), Juan Ruiz wrote the Book of Good Love around 1350, marking it as a key work of medieval Spanish literature. The book recounts a series of amorous adventures in an autobiographical form, utilizing parody and irony as common literary resources.

Don Juan Manuel: Count Lucanor

The nephew of Alfonso X, Don Juan Manuel authored one of the major works of the Middle Ages: Count Lucanor. It is a didactic book featuring 51 short stories or examples intended to convey moral teachings. The stories follow a set pattern: the Count presents a problem to his advisor, Patronio, who provides an anecdote as a guideline, concluding with a moral lesson. These stories are largely based on folk tales, historical legends, and fables.

Journalistic Language and Genres

Journalistic language is characterized as clear, concise, and dynamic. The primary genres include:

• Information genres: News and features.
• Mixed genres: Chronicles and critical reviews.
• Opinion genres: Editorials and articles.