Classical Tradition in Spain. Some Perspectives from Classical Philology

Abstract

This paper defines previous concepts related to the study of the fortune of the classical and highlights some key critical works to this topic. The importance of María Rosa Lida de Malkiel’s production is brought to light as a model for the study of the presence of the classical in Spanish Literature. Two works of Spanish literature are also analyzed, in general and in specific extracts, according to the relation with their reception of the classical: the Libro del buen amor by Archpriest of Hita (14^th century), example of medieval reception, and the Fábula de Faetón by the Count of Villamediana (17^th century), example of reception in the Baroque period. The classical element in the Archpriest’s work comes chiefly from intermediate sources (Pamphilus, Compendium Moralium by Geremia da Montagnone, etc.) and is mainly of a material nature (doctrinal, moral, commonplace elements). Villamediana’s mythological fable is not only influenced by the classic in its mythological-Ovidean plot, but also in its obscure style, based on the constant Latinisms and on the frequent use of learned and mythological periphrasis; these characteristics of this work demand a special expertise for its correct edition and comment.