The "Cuestión de amor" and the Structure of Cervantes' "Galatea"

Abstract

The term ‘Spanish pastoral novel’ presupposes a certain similarity of elements in the individual works. A pastoral setting is, clearly, a fundamental requirement although its particular function will vary from book to book and, indeed, within the individual novel. It may be presented as the world of nature in harmony with the lovers; it may be an element in a Court/Country antithesis or it may be little more than a conventional backcloth to the events in the book. Closely linked with the pastoral setting are the shepherds and shepherdesses, by profession and adoption, resident and visiting. Through the narratives of courtiers and ladies who have donned pastoral garb the atmosphere of the Court is introduced to us and we temporarily forget the realm of nature. No real variety is to be found in the themes and topics which are conveyed to us through the numerous stories, episodes and songs. Love, desamor, disdain, jealousy, friendship, Fortune, the ravages of Time all appear with almost monotonous regularity...