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48 pages 1 hour read

Celestina

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1499

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Book Brief

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Fernando de Rojas

Celestina

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1499
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Spain • Late 1400s

Publication Year

1499

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP0L

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Super Short Summary

Celestina by Fernando de Rojas follows Calisto, a young man who falls deeply in love with Melibea, who does not return his affections. Calisto enlists the help of Celestina, a procuress and manipulator, to gain Melibea's love, aided by his unscrupulous servants. Celestina uses a spell to make Melibea fall in love with Calisto, leading to a sequence of tragic events involving greed, deception, and untimely deaths. The text involves themes of manipulation, romantic obsession, and tragedy.

Mysterious

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Fernando de Rojas's Celestina is praised for its complex character development and rich exploration of human desires and societal norms. Critics commend its innovative blending of tragedy and comedy, which was groundbreaking for its time. However, some find the intricate, lengthy dialogues cumbersome. Overall, this work remains a pivotal piece of Spanish literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Celestina?

A reader who enjoys Celestina by Fernando de Rojas would likely appreciate dark humor, tragicomedy, and intricate character studies. Fans of Shakespearean drama, such as Romeo and Juliet, or lovers of Machiavellian narratives like Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, may find this work particularly engaging.

Character List

Celestina

An old and crafty woman with multiple professions, including arranging romantic connections and performing questionable services for women, known for her persuasive nature and self-sufficient lifestyle.

A young, wealthy nobleman who becomes infatuated with Melibea, relying on others to win her affection despite his selfish disposition.

The sheltered daughter of wealthy parents, whose beauty attracts Calisto's attention and whose life is transformed after their encounter.

Calisto's servant who is loyal to Celestina and instrumental in facilitating Calisto's pursuit of Melibea.

Initially a loyal servant to Calisto with a connection to Celestina through his late mother, later becomes involved with Celestina’s circle.

A prostitute living in Celestina's house, devoted to Celestina and linked romantically with Sempronio, known for her fiery temperament.

A beautiful prostitute associated with Celestina, initially reluctant to engage with Pármeno but becomes entangled in Celestina’s schemes.

Melibea’s servant who is torn between her loyalty to Melibea and her desires for assistance from Celestina, ultimately assisting Melibea in clandestine activities.

Melibea’s mother who tries to protect her daughter from improper associations, emphasizing her naivety in matters of love.

The wealthy and protective father of Melibea, whose worldviews are deeply impacted by his daughter's romantic choices.

A loyal but somewhat dimwitted servant enlisted by Calisto after the departure of his previous servants, assisting in Calisto's romantic pursuits.

Calisto’s stable boy who, despite his loyalty, unwittingly divulges information due to Areúsa’s manipulation.

A boastful character associated with Areúsa, described as unreliable and ultimately ineffective in his claimed skills.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Spain • Late 1400s

Publication Year

1499

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP0L

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