Introduction

The Relevance of the Theme

Literary movements are 'the voices of their time'. Troubadourism and Humanism, although separated by two centuries, are a true reflection of the cultural and social transitions that occurred between the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. They show us the first manifestations of the Portuguese language in literary form, representing a milestone in the history of our nation.

Contextualization

In the vast panorama of literature, Troubadourism and Humanism emerge as brilliant diamonds, initiating a legacy that will culminate in the richness of modern literature. They are the first step on a journey that will take us through classicism, baroque, romanticism, realism, modernism, and beyond. Moreover, they are essential for the understanding of other disciplines, especially History and Sociology, as they directly reflect the culture and values of the time. Their writings, although ancient, convey timeless emotions and ideas, making them even more relevant for today's students.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Troubadourism: This movement, which extended from the 12th century to the end of the 14th century, was mainly marked by the production of lyrical poetry with a love theme. Nobility and the Church played a central role, influencing both the themes and the form of the poems.

  • Cantigas de amor: Composed mainly by troubadours, these songs expressed courtly love, an idealized and often unattainable form of love. The troubadour addressed his lady, declaring his love and suffering.

  • Cantigas de amigo: Unlike the cantigas de amor, the cantigas de amigo gave voice to the woman. The lyrical self, usually female, expressed feelings, anguishes, and joys, emphasizing daily life and the feminine universe.

• Humanism: A movement that emerged in the 15th century, reflecting the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It values man (humanus: the one who has ability), his virtues, emotions, and experiences. Humanism brings a more realistic and secular perspective, marking an important change in the worldview.

  • Humanist Prose: Although poetry continues to be a valued literary form, Humanism introduced prose as a form of cultural and intellectual expression. Themes such as philosophy, politics, and history began to gain prominence.

  • Humanist Theater: Humanism also saw the emergence of a more elaborate theater, moving away from medieval popular forms. Classic plays, such as 'The Ship of Hell', were written during this period.

Key Terms

• Courtly Love: An ideal of love that emerged in the Middle Ages, emphasizing the reverence, adoration, and devotion of the lover to the beloved.

• Canzoniere: In Italian, it means 'songbook', a collection of poetic songs. It was a very popular format during Troubadourism.

• Renaissance: A period of intense cultural, social, political, and economic changes that marked the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age.

Examples and Cases

• Example of Troubadourism: A classic courtly love song is 'Ah flowers, ah flowers of the green pine'. Composed by an unknown troubadour, this song exemplifies the idealized and suffering love theme of troubadourism.

• Example of Humanism: The play 'The Ship of Hell' by Gil Vicente is an example of humanist theater that addresses social, political, and moral issues. The work satirizes Portuguese society of the time, with its vices and hypocrisies.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points:

• Evolution of Portuguese Literature: Troubadourism and Humanism mark the beginning of literary production in the Portuguese language, with styles and themes that resonate to this day.

• Influence of Historical and Social Context: Both movements reflect the social, cultural, and religious transformations of the period. While Troubadourism portrays feudal society and its power structures, Humanism embraces the transition to Renaissance thought and its emphasis on man and reason.

• Forms of Literary Expression: In addition to poetry, Humanism introduces prose (in the form of chronicles, essays, and treatises) and theater as new forms of literary expression.

• Concept of Courtly Love: Through the Cantigas de Amor of Troubadourism, students have a clear view of what the concept of 'courtly love' meant in the Middle Ages - an idealized love, often unrequited and surrounded by suffering.

Conclusions:

• Primacy of Love: Both movements consider love as a central theme, but with distinct approaches. While Troubadourism celebrates courtly love, Humanism portrays it in a more realistic way, including less idealized aspects.

• Paradigmatic Transition: The shift from Troubadourism to Humanism marks a paradigmatic transition in Portuguese literature and, by extension, in culture. We move from a strictly religious and idealized worldview (Middle Ages) to a more humanistic view, centered on man and his experience (Renaissance).

Exercises:

1. Identification of Movements: Given some stanzas of poems, students must identify if they belong to Troubadourism or Humanism, justifying their answers.

2. Analysis of Themes: Students must choose two poems (one from Troubadourism and one from Humanism) and compare the themes addressed, highlighting similarities and differences.

3. Text Interpretation: Propose the reading of the play 'The Ship of Hell' and subsequently elaborate an analysis, highlighting the humanist elements present in the work.