Celestina: Analysis of Major Characters
"Celestina: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex relationships and motivations of key figures in the Spanish literary classic "La Celestina." Central to the narrative is Calisto, a nobleman who becomes infatuated with the beautiful Melibea, prompting him to enlist the help of Celestina, an elderly go-between known for her manipulative nature and love charms. Melibea, despite initially resisting Calisto's advances, ultimately succumbs to his charms but faces tragic consequences following his accidental death, leading to her own suicide.
Celestina embodies the themes of greed and deception, as her actions directly contribute to the downfall of several characters, including her own. The servants Pármeno and Sempronio play pivotal roles in the plot; initially aiding Celestina, they turn against her when she refuses to grant them a reward, resulting in her murder. The story also features secondary characters like Lucrecia, Melibea’s loyal maid, and Areusa and Elicia, two prostitutes connected to the main characters, illustrating the interconnected fates of those in their world. The tragic events unfold against a backdrop of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of social hierarchies, making "Celestina" a rich text for exploring human emotions and moral dilemmas.
Celestina: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Fernando de Rojas
First published: Comedia de Calisto y Melibea, 1499; revised edition, 1502 as Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea (English translation, 1631)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Spain, probably Toledo
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: Fifteenth century
Calisto (kah-LEES-toh), a nobleman who sees and falls in love with Melibea. He hires Celestina to arrange a meeting. He is killed by falling from a ladder while leaving Melibea's garden.
Melibea (may-lee-BAY-ah), a beautiful girl who lets herself be talked into a rendezvous with Calisto and who commits suicide after his death by leaping from her roof.
Celestina (thay-lehs-TEE-nah), an elderly go-between and seller of love charms whose greediness brings about her death.
Lucrecia (lew-KRAY-thyah), Melibea's maid. She warns Melibea's mother against the evil Celestina, but to no avail.
Pármeno (PAHR-may-noh) and Sempronio (saym-PROH-nyoh), servants of Calisto who promote Celestina's arrangement with their master and murder her when she refuses them a reward. Apprehended by the police, they are beheaded on the spot for their crime.
Sosia (SOH-syah), another servant of Calisto who helps to plot his master's death.
Areusa (ah-RAY-ew-sah) and Elicia (ay-LEE-thyah), prostitutes in Celestina's house. Areusa loves Pármeno; Elicia loves Sempronio. The girls hire Centurio to avenge the servants' deaths.
Pleberio (play-BAY-ryoh), the father of Melibea.
Alisa (ah-LEE-sah), the mother of Melibea.
Centurio (thayn-TEW-ryoh), a scoundrel soldier hired to kill Calisto.