History and Invention in La Tragedia de San Hermenegildo

The Tragedia de San Hermenegildo (1580) is one of the best examples of the Spanish Jesuit theatre in the Golden Age. This article studies the way in which the authors handle the historical source material relating to the life of Hermenegild. It is obvious from the comparison between history and the play that the authors were quite concerned about their artistry. They did not hesitate to change facts, add motives, invent rivalries and betrayals of all types. Nor did they hesitate to convey their religious bias in the way in which they developed the historical material. However, despite a seeming contradiction between art and lesson, these priests were able to produce a valid drama, a work of art, worthy of a place in the vast collection of plays in the period. Their ability to create and convey the inner character is of great importance in any understanding of the art of characterization seen later in the comedia. (MJR)