O DIABO QUE O CARREGUE: Teatro Vicentino

Summary

The transcript explores the transition from the theocentric to the anthropocentric worldview in literature, focusing on the work of Gil Vicente, a key figure in Portuguese theater. The discussion highlights his use of theater as a reflection of society, particularly in his play 'Auto da Barca do Inferno,' which portrays characters facing judgment for their moral failings. Through a variety of societal types, the play explores the consequences of corrupt actions and offers a critique of religious and social institutions. Ultimately, it presents a moral lesson about the choices between good and evil, urging reflection on personal integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gil Vicente was an important figure in the transition from the Theocentric to the Anthropocentric period in literature.
• 😀 Vicente's works helped bring theater from inside churches and palaces to the streets, making it more accessible to the common people.
• 😀 The main goal of Vicente's theater was to showcase what is right and provoke reflection among the audience.
• 😀 Gil Vicente created plays based on popular proverbs, creating narratives that often challenged personal decisions and societal norms.
• 😀 One example is the fable of Inês Pereira, who struggles with choosing between a rich but cruel man and a humble, kind man, embodying the proverb 'better a donkey that carries you than a horse that throws you off.'
• 😀 Vicente's works are a form of 'farsa' (farce), often used to entertain and educate the public through humorous and relatable scenarios.
• 😀 A key work of Gil Vicente is the 'Auto da Barca do Inferno,' which depicts a journey with two boats—one to Heaven and one to Hell.
• 😀 The characters in Vicente's plays are symbolic types rather than deeply psychological figures, representing societal roles rather than individual depth.
• 😀 The characters in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno' include a nobleman, a moneylender, a shoemaker, and a priest, each representing different societal flaws and corruptions.
• 😀 The play suggests two paths: the path of virtue leading to Heaven and the path of vice leading to Hell, encouraging reflection on personal choices and morals.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the theater of Gil Vicente?

The main theme of Gil Vicente's theater is the moral lessons related to the transition from a theocentric to an anthropocentric worldview. His plays explore human vices and virtues, often critiquing societal norms and emphasizing the importance of making ethical choices.

What does 'teatro vicentino' refer to?

'Teatro vicentino' refers to the style of theater developed by Gil Vicente during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It incorporates elements of both medieval religious plays and new secular themes, making it a bridge between medieval and Renaissance theater.

What does the term 'farsa' mean in the context of Gil Vicente's work?

In the context of Gil Vicente's work, 'farsa' refers to a form of comedic play based on popular proverbs. These plays often provide moral reflections through satire, with the purpose of making the audience think critically about their behavior and choices.

How does Gil Vicente's play 'Auto da Barca do Inferno' represent different types of people?

'Auto da Barca do Inferno' uses allegorical characters to represent various societal types, such as the nobleman, the usurer, the merchant, and the corrupt clergy. These characters are faced with the choice of being led to either heaven or hell, based on their moral actions.

What is the significance of the two boats in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno'?

The two boats in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno' symbolize the journey of life and the afterlife. One boat, piloted by the devil, leads people to hell, while the other, piloted by an angel, leads to heaven. The passengers of each boat represent different moral types, and their ultimate destination depends on their actions during life.

What kind of characters are portrayed in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno'?

The characters in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno' are not deeply developed individuals, but rather types that represent certain societal roles. These include figures like the corrupt judge, the greedy usurer, and the hypocritical priest, all of whom are judged for their actions and sent either to heaven or hell.

How does Gil Vicente use humor in his plays?

Gil Vicente uses humor, especially in his 'farsa' plays, to criticize and mock societal flaws. The use of popular proverbs and exaggerated characters allows him to address serious themes in a lighthearted way, making his moral lessons more accessible and engaging for the audience.

What is the moral lesson conveyed in 'Auto da Barca do Inferno'?

'Auto da Barca do Inferno' conveys the moral lesson that people's actions during their lifetime determine their fate in the afterlife. It emphasizes the importance of living virtuously and making ethical decisions, as those who are corrupt or immoral are sent to hell, while the righteous are led to heaven.

How does Gil Vicente's work reflect the historical transition from medieval to Renaissance thought?

Gil Vicente's work reflects the transition from the medieval theocentric worldview to the Renaissance anthropocentric worldview by focusing on human actions, morality, and individual responsibility. His plays bridge the religious themes of medieval theater with the emerging humanist ideals of the Renaissance, which emphasize human agency and the value of individual choices.

What role does satire play in Gil Vicente's theater?

Satire plays a crucial role in Gil Vicente's theater. Through exaggerated characters and comedic situations, he critiques societal norms, hypocrisy, and corruption. His plays often use humor to deliver serious messages about moral behavior, making his social commentary both entertaining and thought-provoking.