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This study examines a long-recognized characteristic of Spanish Golden Age historical drama, that dramatists of the period interpreted factual history according to their own literary purposes. The study is based on five of Lope de Vega's plays that dramatize key moments in the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. The author points out basic patterns which guided Lope's restructuring of history, at the same time highlighting the differences in the approach to historical material in each work. Finally, the author examines Lope's portrayal of Isabel and Fernando and the implications of such a portrayal.
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"DeLys Ostlund's book is a significant contribution to the study of Lope de Vega's historical plays. Taking into account both the oral and written models for Lope's plays, Ostlund carefully explains how the playwright transforms the 'historical' into a dramatic action that both recalls the events of the past and in an Aristotelian fashion 'improves' history through poetic or fictive truth. Through a detailed analysis of the characters of Fernando and Isabel, Ostlund uncovers Lope's complex and changing portrayals of these monarchs. Ostlund also provides rich new insights into the image of woman as ruler in the 'comedia' and the dynamics of the queen's relationship with Fernando. This book will be of interest not only to those who study Spanish Golden Age theater, but also to students of the history and culture of the period." (Frederick A. de Armas, The Pennsylvania State University)
