Understanding Spanish Golden Age Literature: Authors and Styles

Spanish Golden Age Literature

Key Authors and Movements

Francisco de Quevedo (1580-1645)

Born in 1580 and died in Madrid in 1645. He lived in the Paso Real city during a recent era. Quevedo was a versatile poet, writing about love, satire, religion, and metaphysics. He was known for his word games.

Luis de Góngora (1561-1627)

Born in Cordoba (1561-1627). He was a priest and a poet of his era. He skillfully combined popular poetry and erudite wit, using a rich lexicon and syntax, elevating the language of art.

Lope de Vega (1562-1635)

Born in Madrid (1562-1635). He was fortunate in love and was a priest. He wrote many works, including "The New Art of Comedy in this Time," where he created new rules for the theater. Everything Lope starts, Calderón completes.

Calderón de la Barca (1600)

Born in Madrid in 1600. He was a military man and a priest, and the rest of his life was dedicated to the theater.

• Philosophical theater using monologues.
• Moral prejudice, theological themes.
• Opposition between: life-dream / reason-passion / power-law.

Notable work: "Life is a Dream."

Tirso de Molina

He continued the Lope de Vega model and incorporated new elements. He had a special concern for women.

In his works, the woman was more intelligent than the ordinary.

Notable work: "The Trickster of Seville."

Neoclassicism (18th Century)

Apart from the 18th century, moderation is the key, looking back to classical rules. Writers followed balance and instruction.

Neoclassical Prose

They wrote letters, memoranda, reports, expressing their reflections. Essays expressed a subjective approach to a topic. Notable authors: Feijoo, Cadalso, Jovellanos.

Neoclassical Poetry

Characterized by clear and harmonious themes and simple language. Notable author: Meléndez Valdés.

Neoclassical Theater

Following theater rules, it was structured around the three classical unities (one day, one location, one plot) and separated comic and tragic elements.

Baroque (17th Century)

An artistic and cultural movement of the 17th century, during a time of economic, political, and social crisis.

Baroque Poetry

A style full of artifice, moving away from Renaissance realities. The sonnet is abundant, as are ballads and traditional songs, using simple language.

Characteristics of Baroque Theater

• Divided into 3 acts.
• Mix of tragic and comic elements.
• The rule of the three unities is broken.
• Varied metrics, adapting song to social condition.
• Introduction of lyrical elements.
• Topics: honor, love, and loyalty.