Grief

El Desconsuelo (or “Desconhort” in Catalan), written around 1295, is a long poem where Ramon Llull confronts a hermit initially skeptical, and then convinced, about the value and purpose of his work.
The poem begins with a biographical self-portrait of Llull, in which he expresses his melancholy and frustration at not having succeeded in his attempt to convert the infidels over three decades of work. In response, the hermit advises him to examine his conscience to determine if his great Art is truly a worthy cause. Llull defends himself by arguing that his work is motivated by love for God and charity towards others, and therefore free from sin.
The hermit’s doubts do not console Llull, but provoke his anger, as he feels that nothing can help him in his failure. However, at the end of the poem, the hermit reflects on Llull’s words and comes to the conclusion that his work is noble and pleasing in the eyes of God. This change of heart provides Llull with some relief for his suffering, and he thanks God for it.
The Desconsuelo not only offers an insight into Llull’s internal struggles and his steadfast commitment to his religious cause, but also represents a detailed and passionate defense of his philosophical system.