Isabel I and Juana I of Castille. The formation of a model and its counter-model. Reciprocal influences between History and Literature

Abstract

The performance and behaviour of Isabel and Juana, queens of Castille, mother and daughter, have been used by History to construct a pattern of an exemplary woman in the case of lsabel, and a pernicious "counter model" in the case of Juana. Literature has also cooperated in the creation of these two types of women, one exemplary and other reprehensible. These two patterns have also had a political use. From the point of view of the History of Women, we have to criticise both, the model and the counter model, and study the social reality of each of these women.