THE TORMENTED CONCEPTION OF LOVE IN GARCILASO. A READING OF SONNET I «CUANDO ME PARO A CONTEMPLAR MI `STADO» (WHEN I STOP TO CONTEMPLATE MY FEELINGS)

Abstract

Although the numerous imitations of Garcilaso’s Sonnet i perceive it as the introspective examination of an amorous trajectory in line with Petarca’s sonnet, whose first verse «Quando`io mi volgo in dietro a mirar gli anni» (When I turn around to gaze on the years) is paraphrased by Garcilaso, this analysis interprets its complex play on concepts, deeply interwoven with expressive resources that are rooted in cancioneros (ballads), as a medium for exalting acceptance and perseverance in hopeless love. The complacency on the suffering for love reflected in the sonnet is by no means a simple consequence of the cancionero influence, but an original element used to extol the convictions of his feelings, despite being aware of the impossibility.