Myth as a Performance: Lope de Vega’s The Journey of the Soul and the Bivium

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Journey of the Soul (El Viaje del Alma) by Lope de Vega has not been studied deeply by scholars. It exemplifies the myth of the bivium, so common in literature throughout history. This article explains the location of Lope de Vega’s play, provides a thematic analysis, and shows its relation to the myth of bivium. The first part explains the play’s dating, structure, and plot. The second part presents the different topics derived from the play. The author then relates the bivium to myth theories in order to explain this topic’s purpose, meaning, and function. The bivium, manifested through performance, communicates the moral values of Lope de Vega’s religion, and elevates its principal eucharistic dogma and ritual, therefore explaining the theoretical configuration of this Christian myth in relation to The Journey of the Soul.