What is exemplary about Rinconete y Cortadillo?

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Claire Blackburn, St Peter’s

What is exemplary about Rinconete y Cortadillo?

Rinconete y Cortadillo forms part of Miguel de Cervantes’s Novelas Ejemplares. In order to answer what is exemplary about this novel, we must first understand the meaning of ‘exemplary’. The Concise Oxford dictionary defines this adjective as “1. fit to be imitated; outstandingly good. 2. to serve as a warning 3. illustrative, representative”.

Cervantes’s intention with the Novelas Ejemplares, was to set his works apart from those of Italian writers. He aimed to introduce examples of behaviour that readers could follow or avoid in real life. In the prologue, he said of the Novelas Ejemplares: “no hay ninguna de quien no se pueda sacar algún ejemplo provechoso.” Unamuno also commented on the exemplary content of the novellas: “Y llamo ejemplares a estas novelas porque las doy como ejemplo – así, como suena – ejemplo de vida y de realidad.”

The leading writing style of the era was picaresque. A typical picaresque novel would follow the episodes of a ‘pícaro’ or rogue, whose behaviour does not change much throughout the novel, as he survives by using his wits. Although Rinconete y Cortadillo does not strictly follow the characteristics of a picaresque novel, elements are distinguishable and serve as examples of behaviour.

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If ‘exemplary’ can be described as something that is worthy of imitation, there are certain aspects of Rinconete y Cortadillo that fit into this criterion. Firstly, although criminals, the members of Monipodio’s brotherhood are extremely pious. In particular, Cervantes mentions the old men who perform reconnaissance. He describes them as honest, respectable and due to a fear of going to hell, regular churchgoers. The fact that a whole room in Monipodio’s house is dedicated to worship implies the importance of religion. The reader therefore senses that piety is a worthwhile occupation of time.  In addition, the action of giving some ...

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