Lope de Vega (Mariah Zimmerman)
Lope de Vega was born in Madrid, November 25, 1562
to an undistinguished family. He ultimately became a playwright, poet,
novelist, and marine. At a young age, Vega had begun to show that he was
extremely intelligent. When he was five years old he was reading in Spanish and
Latin and had completed his first play when he was twelve years old. Due to the help of Bishop of Avila, Vega was
enrolled into the University of Acala and enlisted into the Spanish navy in
1583 after his graduation. Years after his enrollment, Vega survived the attack
of the English which was a substantial defeat for the Spanish Armada. On his
return from the battle he began to write earnestly.
The personal life of Vega was very interesting, and it had a
large impact on his work. Vega suffered two lawsuits and once was sent to
prison for libel after attacks on former lovers. While Vega was in exile for
his crime he married 16-year-old Isabel de Urbina, whom died in childbirth. He
married again but first had many affairs, which were the inspiration for his
work. He also had many illegitimate children. In total, Vega had 15 documented
children, some legitimate and others not.
Lope de Vega is one of the most prominent figures of Spanish
literature. He wasn’t well known amongst the English-speaking world, but his
plays helped to renew Spanish theater and he is considered to be one of the
best dramatists of Western literature. Lope had many works including 3,000
sonnets, 9 epic poems, 3 novels, and 1,800 works of theater 80 of which are
regarded as masterpieces. An example of one of his most famous works is El Isidro which was published in 1599.
This work is a narrative of the life of the patron Saint of Vega’s home city.
Vega was often criticized for putting quantity over quality but his
contribution to Spanish literature is undeniable.
While Lope de Vega published many works throughout his life,
the end of his life was tragic. He experienced the death of his favorite son as
well as the abduction of his youngest daughter. Vega died in Madrid, Spain on
August 27th, 1635 from Scarlet Fever. He is honored with a statue
that stands in Madrid.
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