Abstract
This thesis identifies and analyzes the grotesque in two Spanish novels, Don Quiiote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and The Tyrant by Ramon del Valle-Inclan. In the introduction, the author defines the grotesque as a special type of humor. It is experiencing something so ugly, or so horrible, or so ridiculous that it makes us laugh. In order to qualify as grotesque, it must also be extreme, so extreme that it produces laughter. We can see the grotesque in art and in literature. Many people have experienced the grotesque, but do not know it by its proper name. Chapter one explores the history of the grotesque. it began in 1500 in some ancient Roman ruins called the Titus Baths. The term extended to paintings and other works of art and eventually to literature where it became useful in literary criticism. Various definitions are given by critics from different time periods including more recent comments by Wolfgang Kayser and Mijail Bajtin. The end of the chapter gives the steps that one must go through in determining whether or not something fits into the category of grotesque. Chapter two deals with the grotesque elements of the baroque Don Quiiote de La Mancha, and looks at why it was used. It identifies five elements that are found in the work to help analyze the grotesque. They are dehumanization, death, the mixing of reality and dreams, inversion of the normal order and the macabre. Specific quotes are given to support this premise. Chapter three addresses the grotesque in the esperpentic The Tyrant, and reasons for its use. It also uses as its base the same five elements that are also supported by quotes from the text. The conclusion summarizes,, compares and contrasts the grotesque in the two works and discusses reasons for its use. This chapter similar than Specific quotes are given to support this chapter states that these two Spanish novels are more similar than they might first appear. We arrive at this conclusion not only by using the grotesque, but also by using elements of the baroque and the esperpento to illuminate the two works.
Peterson, Valerie Hoppe (1994). The grotesque in Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and The Tyrant by Ramon Del Valle-Inclan. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1994 -THESIS -P485.