How the authors of Celestina conceived the character of Areúsa

Abstract

In this essay, the entire text of the Tragicomedia of Calisto and Melibea has been scrutinized in order to present a complete portrait of Areúsa, an independent prostitute whose constant ambition for greater agency and independence is the backbone of her active life. Her past plays a vital part in her present conduct and belief in herself. Her psychological profile is coherent and the result of careful planning by the authors of the work. The public and private Areúsa are portrayed in her dialogues with each of the characters she must deal with. Her complete portrait escapes being a fall back on previous stereotypes of the prostitute and she emerges a unique and individual human being.