La amistad, el remedio de la Fortuna en La Celestina

Abstract

Friendship is a subject which celestinesque criticism has not dealt with sufficiently. This paper demonstrates the importance of the concept of amicitia throughout the Tragicomedy. From the «autor» who cautions his friend/reader/patron to steer clear of the treacheries of love to Pleberio’s lament, Celestina is overflowing with concepts of and adages about friendship from Classic and Renaissance sources. The relationship between the blows of fortune and the proper choice of friends is pointed out in two ways: through the existence of amicitia vera in the motivations of the «autor», and through the absence of such perfect friendship in the characters' hearts. The Renaissance concept of friendship as an instrument which improves the quality of life within society is basic for a full understanding of the Celestina.