- Celestina Week Two -

C A L I S T O ' S  C H A I N

The first thing I came to think about when Calisto gave Celestina the chain was how he had promised her the cloak and skirt instead. I was wondering why these specific items were the objects of barter in the first place, and came to the realization that clothing (such as skirts and cloaks) provide a "cover" for people. I feel as though the clothing represents a way of hiding the truth behind close doors whereas as a chain is much more noticeable and revealing (compared to clothing and items that you wear). In that respect, the chain represents who people really are and furthermore represents Calisto's lustfulness and desire. By him choosing to give this more personal attachment to Celestina rather than the garments, speaks volumes about the chain itself. Celestina has such a superior postion over Calisto, that he is willing to put his whole desire and lust into Celestina's hand, rendering him utterly impotent.

For Celestina, this chain represents a victory in that she has won over Calisto both profitably and personally. I feel as though Celestina views this as a meaning of life - she thrives off of this excitement and power to mandate people's love affairs. As an extension, Parmeno and Sempronio are enraged at Celestina because the chain represents her power over them as well. Seeing as how the two of them are Calisto's more revered servants, it is frustrating to them to see him primarily confide in Celestina. 

D E S I R E  O F  N I G H T

What is ironic about the whole "night" theme is how we typically view night as either a time of romanticism and fun, or a time or fear and danger. Those peaceful walks in the park with moonlight can easily turn into a crazy guy with a chainsaw jumping out at you. That being said, I think there are few primary elements to Melibea and Calisto's night meeting. 

First off, it reveals the secrecy and "taboo" desire that the two have for each other. The fact that they are sneaking around provides a thrill and element of danger to their lust. I think Fernando de Rojas is trying to stress the concept of their espionage romance almost to a point of wrong-doing. This "wrong-doing" also foreshadows the idea that maybe things won't go over so well in the end of the novel.

In terms of the night time being positive, it directly correlates with how Calisto describes Melibea as "radiating" and "having eyes like stars" and such. However, the night time also correlates to Celestina. The name Celestina comes from Celestial which means pertaining to the sky and heavens. Celestina has a haunting presence is Melibea and Calisto's relationship at all times because she is the mastermind behind the entire thing. I think the whole "night" theme has a double meaning with Melibea being the good aspects (the hand-in-hand moonlit walks through the park) and Celestina representing the darker aspects (bam! Chainsaw guy).