Auto sacramental

Definition

An auto sacramental is a type of Spanish religious drama that emerged during the Golden Age, particularly in the 17th century. These plays were primarily focused on themes related to the Eucharist and the Catholic faith, often featuring allegorical characters that represented various virtues and vices. This genre blended theatrical elements with profound theological and moral messages, reflecting the religious fervor and cultural context of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auto sacramentales were often performed during religious festivals, particularly Corpus Christi, highlighting their significance in Spanish Catholic culture.
2. The most famous playwright associated with auto sacramentales is Calderón de la Barca, who wrote several notable works in this genre, blending complex themes with poetic language.
3. These plays served both educational and entertaining purposes, teaching audiences about Catholic doctrine while also engaging them through dramatic storytelling.
4. Auto sacramentales typically featured a limited number of characters and simple plots, focusing on moral lessons and spiritual truths rather than intricate narratives.
5. The decline of auto sacramentales occurred in the 18th century as Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional religious narratives and forms of expression.

Review Questions

• How did auto sacramentales reflect the religious beliefs of Spanish society during the Golden Age?
  • Auto sacramentales mirrored the strong Catholic faith prevalent in Spanish society by emphasizing themes related to the Eucharist and spiritual morality. The plays often presented allegorical characters that represented virtues like Faith and Charity, illustrating the moral teachings of the Church. This genre was deeply intertwined with religious festivals such as Corpus Christi, serving to reinforce Catholic doctrine while entertaining audiences through engaging narratives.
• Discuss how Calderón de la Barca's contributions to auto sacramentales shaped the genre's development.
  • Calderón de la Barca significantly influenced the auto sacramental genre by infusing it with poetic language and complex themes. His works often explored profound philosophical questions related to existence, free will, and divine grace, elevating the genre from simple morality plays to sophisticated theatrical performances. By blending drama with deep theological insights, Calderón helped define the artistic boundaries of auto sacramentales, making them a vital part of Spain's literary heritage.
• Evaluate the impact of changing societal values on the decline of auto sacramentales in the 18th century.
  • The decline of auto sacramentales in the 18th century can be attributed to shifting societal values driven by Enlightenment thinking, which emphasized reason over faith and challenged established religious narratives. As secularism grew and new forms of entertainment emerged, traditional religious dramas lost their appeal among audiences. This transition not only affected theatrical practices but also reflected broader cultural changes within Spain as it grappled with modernity and questioned long-held beliefs.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters, events, and symbols represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, often used to convey deeper meanings.

Eucharist: A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine, central to Catholic theology and frequently depicted in auto sacramentales.

Baroque Theatre: A style of theatre that emerged in Europe during the Baroque period, characterized by elaborate staging, heightened emotional expression, and a focus on spectacle.