Unit 2: El siglo XVI (AP)

Unit Overview

The 16th century was a golden age for Spanish literature, known as the Siglo de Oro. During this time, Spain emerged as a dominant global power, with its vast territories and wealth from the Americas fostering a period of cultural and artistic development. Literary movements such as the Spanish Renaissance and Humanism thrived. Prominent authors like Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Santa Teresa de Jesús created masterpieces that explored themes of honor, love, and spirituality, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish literature.

Historical Context

• The 16th century, known as the Siglo de Oro, was a period of prosperity and expansion for Spain.

• The reign of Charles I of Spain and V of the Holy Roman Empire (1516-1556) marked the beginning of this period.

• Charles I inherited a vast empire with territories in Europe, America, and Asia.

• His reign focused on consolidating royal power and expanding the empire.

• Philip II (1556-1598) succeeded Charles I and continued expanding the Spanish empire.

• During Philip II's reign, Spain reached its maximum territorial extent.

• Philip II was a strong defender of Catholicism and fought against the Protestant Reformation.

• The discovery and conquest of America significantly impacted Spanish society and economy.

• The influx of gold and silver from the American colonies financed Spain’s imperial ambitions.

• The conquest of new territories provided opportunities for evangelization and spreading Catholicism.

• The Spanish Inquisition (established in 1478) played a key role in 16th-century society.

• The Inquisition was responsible for persecuting heresy and maintaining religious orthodoxy.

• Its influence extended across all aspects of life, including literature and art.

Required Works in Unit 2

2.1 Lazarillo de Tormes – Anónimo

• Lazarillo de Tormes is a 16th-century Spanish picaresque novel. The story follows the life of Lázaro, a poor boy who uses his wit and cunning to survive through a series of masters, each representing a different facet of society. It critiques social and moral norms of the time, particularly the hypocrisy of the clergy and the nobility.

2.2 Visión de los vencidos: "Los presagios, según los informantes de Sahagún" – Miguel León-Portilla

• This work is a collection of indigenous accounts compiled by Bernardino de Sahagún. "Los presagios" explores the ominous signs that the Aztecs believed foretold the fall of their empire, providing a unique perspective on the pre-Columbian worldview before the Spanish conquest.

2.3 "Segunda carta de relación" – Hernán Cortés

• "Segunda carta de relación" is a letter written by Hernán Cortés to King Charles I of Spain in 1520, detailing his observations of Mexico and the Aztec Empire. This letter is significant for its firsthand account of the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and serves as both a diplomatic and descriptive document.

2.4 Visión de los vencidos: "Se ha perdido el pueblo mexica" – Miguel León-Portilla

• This excerpt from Visión de los vencidos presents a melancholic lament by an indigenous voice after the fall of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire. It emphasizes the tragedy and loss experienced by the Aztec people following their defeat by the Spanish conquistadors.

2.5 Soneto XXIII, “En tanto que de rosa y azucena” – Garcilaso de la Vega

• Soneto XXIII is a Renaissance poem by Garcilaso de la Vega that expresses the theme of carpe diem (seize the day). The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and beauty, urging the beloved to enjoy life before time takes its toll. It is a prime example of the Petrarchan influence on Spanish poetry.

More Authors and Works

• Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616):

  • Considered the greatest representative of Spanish literature from the Siglo de Oro.

  • His masterpiece, Don Quijote de la Mancha (1605 and 1615), parodies chivalric books and explores universal themes like reality and illusion.

  • Cervantes also wrote Novelas ejemplares, plays, and poetry.

• Lope de Vega (1562-1635):

  • The most prolific and influential playwright of Spanish Siglo de Oro theater.

  • Wrote hundreds of plays, including both comedies and dramas, and established the foundations of Spanish comedia nueva.

  • Notable works: Fuenteovejuna, El caballero de Olmedo, El perro del hortelano.

• Fray Luis de León (1527-1591):

  • A prominent Spanish poet and humanist.

  • His poetic works, influenced by biblical and classical traditions, are known for their spiritual depth and formal perfection.

  • Famous poems: Vida retirada, Noche serena, Oda a Francisco Salinas.

• Santa Teresa de Jesús (1515-1582):

  • A Spanish mystic and writer.

  • Works such as El castillo interior and Libro de la vida reflect her spiritual experiences and pursuit of union with God.

  • Considered one of the most important figures in Spanish mystical literature.

• San Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591):

  • A Spanish poet and mystic, contemporary of Santa Teresa de Jesús.

  • His poems, like Noche oscura del alma and Cántico espiritual, express mystical experiences and the union of the soul with God.

  • Known for symbolic, emotionally intense, and spiritually deep poetry.

Key Literary Movements

• Spanish Renaissance: Influenced by the Italian Renaissance, it developed during the 16th century.

  • Characterized by a renewed interest in Greco-Roman classical culture.

  • Renaissance authors sought to imitate and surpass classical models, adapting them to the Spanish reality.

• Humanism: Closely linked to the Renaissance, it emphasized the value and dignity of the human being.

  • Humanists promoted the study of classical languages (Latin and Greek) and education based on the liberal arts.

  • Key figure: Antonio de Nebrija, author of the first grammar of the Spanish language.

• Spanish Renaissance Poetry: Reached its peak with the work of Garcilaso de la Vega.

  • Garcilaso introduced Italian poetic forms like the sonnet and the lyre into Spanish literature.

  • His poetry is marked by harmony, musicality, and the expression of romantic feelings.

• Picaresque Novel: Emerged as a distinctive literary genre of the Spanish Golden Age.

  • These novels recount the adventures of a "pícaro," a character of humble origin who seeks to rise socially through wit and cunning.

  • El Lazarillo de Tormes, published anonymously in 1554, is considered the foundational work of the picaresque genre.

Themes and Motifs

• Honor and Reputation:

  • Honor and reputation were central themes in Siglo de Oro literature.

  • Honor referred to personal moral value, while reputation was linked to public opinion and social esteem.

  • These concepts greatly influenced the actions and decisions of literary characters, especially in theater.

• Love:

  • Various forms of love (courtly, platonic, passionate) were recurring themes.

  • Petrarchan-influenced poetry idealized the lover and explored the suffering of unrequited love.

  • Pastoral novels, like La Diana by Jorge de Montemayor, depicted love in an idealized, bucolic setting.

• Religion and Spirituality:

  • Religion and spirituality were significant in Siglo de Oro literature.

  • Mystical literature, such as works by Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Juan de la Cruz, expressed the pursuit of union with God.

  • Autos sacramentales (allegorical plays) aimed at teaching Catholic doctrine.

• Social Criticism and Satire:

  • Social critique and satire were important in genres like novela picaresca and satirical poetry.

  • Novela picaresca portrayed Spanish society, focusing on inequality and vices, through the lens of a "pícaro."

  • Poets like Francisco de Quevedo used satire to mock human flaws and social conventions.

Literary Techniques

• Italian Metrics and Verse:

  • The use of Italian metrics (sonnet, lyre, and octava real) was a key feature in Spanish Renaissance poetry.

  • Garcilaso de la Vega's poetry is a prominent example of adopting Italian forms into Spanish literature.

• Conceptismo and Culteranismo:

  • Conceptismo (associated with Francisco de Quevedo) focused on wit, wordplay, and clever ideas.

  • Culteranismo (represented by Luis de Góngora) was marked by ornate language, complex metaphors, and scholarly allusions.

• "Engaño a los ojos" Technique:

  • This theatrical technique used optical illusions, painted backdrops, and light effects to create visual tricks on stage.

  • Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca were masters of this technique.

• Intertextuality and Classic Rewriting:

  • Renaissance authors often reinterpreted and adapted classical myths and stories to reflect Spanish realities.

  • Examples include El mito de Faetón by Garcilaso de la Vega and La Galatea by Miguel de Cervantes.

Religious and Social Influences

• Counter-Reformation:

  • The Catholic Church's response to Protestant Reformation, influencing literature in Siglo de Oro.

  • Works defending Catholic faith and countering Protestantism, such as autos sacramentales, flourished during this time.

• Expulsion of the Moriscos:

  • The 1609 expulsion of the Moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity) had social, cultural, and economic consequences in Spain.

• Social Stratification and Inequality:

  • Spanish society was highly stratified, with nobles and clergy enjoying privileges, while marginalized groups like pícaros struggled for survival.

  • Novela picaresca and theater works reflected these societal tensions.

• Women's Role in Society:

  • Women in 16th-century Spain were limited by social norms, expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers.

  • Despite these constraints, figures like Santa Teresa de Jesús and María de Zayas stood out in the literary field.

Importance to Later Spanish Literature

• Foundations for Future Spanish Literature:

  • Siglo de Oro established the literary foundations for future Spanish authors.

  • The novela picaresca influenced later works such as Francisco de Quevedo’s El Buscón and Mateo Alemán’s Guzmán de Alfarache.

• Theater Influence:

  • The Spanish comedia nueva, developed by Lope de Vega, shaped later Spanish theater conventions.

  • Playwrights like Tirso de Molina and Calderón de la Barca refined Lope’s theatrical formulas.

• Cervantes and Global Influence:

  • Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes became a global literary touchstone, inspiring countless writers and artists.

  • Cervantes’ exploration of universal themes laid the groundwork for modern novel development.

• Poetry and Language Legacy:

  • The poetry of the Siglo de Oro poets (Garcilaso de la Vega, Fray Luis de León, San Juan de la Cruz) influenced later generations, including poets like Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Federico García Lorca.

  • They elevated the Spanish language, leaving a lasting poetic tradition.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Siglo de Oro: Period of cultural and literary flourishing in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Renaissance: Cultural movement emphasizing a return to classical antiquity and humanism.

• Humanism: Intellectual movement that emphasized human dignity and promoted the study of classical languages and liberal arts.

• Petrarchism: Influence of the Italian poet Petrarch’s love poetry on 16th-century Spanish literature.

• Novela Picaresca: Literary genre focusing on the adventures of a "pícaro," a character of humble origins who uses wit and cunning to rise socially.

• Comedia Nueva: Theatrical form developed by Lope de Vega that blends comedy and tragedy, catering to popular tastes.

• Conceptismo: Literary style characterized by sharpness, wordplay, and ingenious ideas, associated with Francisco de Quevedo.

• Culteranismo: Style marked by elaborate language, complex metaphors, and scholarly references, epitomized by Luis de Góngora.

• Auto Sacramental: Allegorical religious plays aimed at teaching Catholic doctrine.

• Mysticism: Spiritual movement focused on direct union of the soul with God, as seen in the works of Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Juan de la Cruz.