Honoring poets and enjoying their genius: Menéndez Pelayo facing Núñez de Arce and the poetry of his time

Abstract

The article aims to present the opinion of Menéndez Pelayo about the poetry of his time and, more specifically, that of Núñez de Arce. The Cantabrian polygraph looked at different aspects when making a critique of poetry, such as translation, the importance of his classicist tastes or his interest in the Catalan language. The poetic work of Núñez de Arce was closely followed by Pelayo and his criticism was praiseworthy, but with some nuances. He describes Núñez’s poetry as social, since he introduces political, historical and patriotic themes into his compositions. However, he criticises him for explaining the content and purpose of the compositions and reproaches her for seeking inspiration in the additions to the works of Dante or Lord Byron, rather than in the originals. Despite everything, Don Marcelino points out the figure of Núñez de Arce as a great lyrical poet.