48 pages • 1 hour read
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240
Play • Fiction
Spain • Late 1400s
1499
Adult
18+ years
NP0L
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
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.
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.
Calisto
A young, wealthy nobleman who becomes infatuated with Melibea, relying on others to win her affection despite his selfish disposition.
Melibea
The sheltered daughter of wealthy parents, whose beauty attracts Calisto's attention and whose life is transformed after their encounter.
Sempronio
Calisto's servant who is loyal to Celestina and instrumental in facilitating Calisto's pursuit of Melibea.
Pármeno
Initially a loyal servant to Calisto with a connection to Celestina through his late mother, later becomes involved with Celestina’s circle.
Elicia
A prostitute living in Celestina's house, devoted to Celestina and linked romantically with Sempronio, known for her fiery temperament.
Areúsa
A beautiful prostitute associated with Celestina, initially reluctant to engage with Pármeno but becomes entangled in Celestina’s schemes.
Lucrecia
Melibea’s servant who is torn between her loyalty to Melibea and her desires for assistance from Celestina, ultimately assisting Melibea in clandestine activities.
Alisa
Melibea’s mother who tries to protect her daughter from improper associations, emphasizing her naivety in matters of love.
Pleberio
The wealthy and protective father of Melibea, whose worldviews are deeply impacted by his daughter's romantic choices.
Tristán
A loyal but somewhat dimwitted servant enlisted by Calisto after the departure of his previous servants, assisting in Calisto's romantic pursuits.
Sosia
Calisto’s stable boy who, despite his loyalty, unwittingly divulges information due to Areúsa’s manipulation.
Centurio
A boastful character associated with Areúsa, described as unreliable and ultimately ineffective in his claimed skills.
240
Play • Fiction
Spain • Late 1400s
1499
Adult
18+ years
NP0L
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