The Exploration of Circumstance: Casuistry and the Emergence of the Novela Bizantina in Alonso Núñez de Reinoso’s Historia de los amores de Clareo y Florisea, y de los trabajos de Ysea (1552)

Abstract

Despite being variously referred to as a romance of love and adventure, the Golden Age novela bizantina is hardly limited to narrating amorous exploits. Rather, it tends to treat of displacement and destitution, thereby confronting its characters with existential cases of conscience. This article explores how the first Spanish novel of this kind, Alonso N úñ ez de Reinoso’s Los amores de Clareo y Florisea y los trabajos de la sin ventura Isea (1552) engages its readers in moral reflection.