Notions of Man and Manhood in Seventeenth-century Iberia: the Nobleman of "La margarita del Tajo que dio nombre a Santaren" of Ángela de Avezedo

Abstract

This essay examines notions of man and manhood in the plays of the Ángela de Azevedo, in particular La margarita del Tajo que dio nombre a Santaren, Azevedo’s least-known and least-studied work. This essay considers the portrayal of the nobleman in this work as a representation of Spain’s and Portugal’s troubling realities of decadence and perceived effeminacy. Additionally, it considers how Azevedo participates in current debates on masculinity by incorporating a close reading of the characterization of Britaldo, the main male protagonist. The analysis reveals Azevedo’s extraordinary boldness and open criticism of all men, sparing no disapproval toward the men of Portugal, her otherwise beloved country. Ultimately, in a society ruled by male disorder, only the dignified behaviour of women meets noble precepts of male conduct