스페인 문학에서 마녀와 마녀사냥의 이미지에 관한 연구 - 『라 셀레스티나』와 「개들의 대화」를 중심으로 -

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the images of witches and witch hunts that were prevalent in pervaded Spanish society during their respective periods, with a focus on La Celestina and The Dialogues of the Dogs, and to explore their profound implications. Witch hunting was a distinctive historical phenomenon that exclusively emerged in Europe and its colonies during the 16th and 17th centuries, stemming from cultural conflicts that unfolded during the transition of European society from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Therefore, this study delves into the development of the concept of witches and the historical process of demonizing them. Subsequently, it scrutinizes the portrayals of witches found in Fernando de Rojas’ La Celestina and Cervantes' The Dialogues of the Dogs. These analyses shed light on the critical perspectives of the authors regarding the prevailing prejudice against witches that prevailed in Spain during their respective times. The portrayal of witch-like behaviors in La Celestina reflects a societal departure from medieval values, marking the rise of materialism and an obsession with wealth. In contrast, in The Dialogues of the Dogs, Cervantes not only underscored the inherent unreliability of the absurd claims made by witches but also condemned the severe oppression they endured at the hands of society. This analysis reveals that these writers were acutely aware of the presence of institutional violence and collective hysteria as significant societal issues, both of which trampled upon and violated human dignity. They recognized that labeling social minorities or the underprivileged as witches was a tactic employed by the ruling ideology to legitimize itself through scapegoating. Consequently, these authors embarked on a mission to challenge and dispel this illusion, questioning the legitimacy of such categorizations and striving to transcend the irrational limits imposed by the prevailing ideology.