Marcos Fernández: «Chapter and explanation of the term hidalgo or hidalga», in Olla podrida a la española… (1655)

Abstract

An introduction and partial edition of the Marcos Fernández’ work Olla podrida a la española (Amberes [Amsterdam]: Felipe Van Eyck, 1655), text whose literary value has been recently pointed at last, as well as its interesting influence from Cervantes. In order to be accurate, which is edited is the last chapter with a burlesque etimology of the word hidalgo and the cast of a relative to Sancho Panza, called Toncho Panza. The text is showcased as a menipean satire in which grammatical and political views of the time are criticized, for instance the work by César Oudin or by Saavedra Fajardo. The editing criteria look for a new intermediate path between graphic conservatism (necessary in a inductive treaty of orthography such as the Olla podrida) and modernization, which soothes the reading and understanding of the text, with the needed supply of linguistic and historical-literary notes.