What is the theme of La Celestina?

Answer 1

There are many! For me, personally, these are the big ones:

-The hopelessness and impossibility of love between people of different religions (the tragic nature of courtly love)

-The priceless value of female honor, a.k.a. virginity

-Greed as both a motivating factor and a cause of downfall

-The view of love as a "sickness" with debilitating effects both physically & mentally

-Misogyny or the popular medieval view of women as corrupt seductresses

-The fear and hysteria caused by the Spanish Inquisition

-Putting individual differences aside in pursuit of the "greater good"

-The powerful influence of others' thoughts -- reputation -- on your own actions (as opposed to one's own morals and beliefs)

-Societal changes in accordance with the transition into the Renaissance (individualism, business, the end of chivalry, graphic violence, torture as a means to a political end)

-The wisdom associated with old age

-Doing what one must just in order to survive (prostitution, servitude, deception, etc.)

-The old concept of "cleanliness of blood," a.k.a. lacking Muslim heritage

Answer 2

The theme of La Celestina revolves around love, desire, manipulation, power, and the consequences of human actions. It explores how individuals act under the influence of love and how this can lead to tragic outcomes. The play also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between good and evil.