Conceptismo

Conceptismo is a literary movement and style that flourished in Spain during the Baroque period, particularly in the 17th century. It is characterized by an intellectual and witty approach to language, emphasizing the clever manipulation of ideas and concepts rather than ornate or purely descriptive language. The primary goal of conceptismo was to express profound thoughts and complex meanings through concise and ingenious wordplay.

Key features of conceptismo include the use of *agudeza* (wit or sharpness) and *ingenio* (ingenuity). Writers sought to surprise the reader with unexpected juxtapositions, paradoxes, and puns. They employed a dense style, often using ellipsis and compressed syntax to convey a multitude of meanings within a few words. This intellectual depth was often achieved through the use of metaphors, antitheses, and clever associations of ideas.

The most prominent exponent of conceptismo was Francisco de Quevedo, whose poetry and prose exemplify the movement's characteristics. Other important figures include Baltasar Gracián and, to some extent, Luis de Góngora, although Góngora is more closely associated with the opposing movement, culteranismo. While culteranismo focused on the aesthetic and sensory aspects of language through elaborate syntax and neologisms, conceptismo delved into the intellectual and semantic layers of words. The two movements, though distinct, often overlapped and influenced each other, contributing to the rich complexity of Baroque Spanish literature. Conceptismo valued depth of thought and the surprising connections between seemingly disparate ideas.