Magic in Celestina

One of the most debated issues among Celestina scholars has been the role of magic. Scholars have written profusely on magic’s presence in the text, its role in the dramatic action, Rojas’s belief in the existence of magic, and whether Melibea is a victim of Celestina’s spells or is merely seduced by her powers of persuasion. Critics have also questioned whether Celestina is a witch or sorceress, and whether the devil she several times invokes is only a dramatic resource to adorn the action or if the Devil really intervenes in the events. In their different answers to these and other questions, critics have defended different, often opposite, positions, some critics having even changed sides over the years. We will begin considering their arguments by examining the passages which mention magic in Celestina.