Author
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
1600-1681
Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Life Is a Dream
"Life Is a Dream" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a Spanish-language play first published in 1636. Prince Segismundo has been imprisoned in a tower since infancy by his father, King Basilio, who fears a prophecy that his son will bring disaster to Poland and kill him. When the king briefly frees Segismundo to test the oracle's prediction, the prince's behavior forces a devastating choice. This philosophical allegory explores free will versus fate, dreams versus reality, and the mysterious nature of human existence.
The Wonder-Working Magician
"The Wonder-Working Magician" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a dramatic work that likely dates from the mid-17th century. The play unfolds in Antioch and centers around Cyprian, a scholar who grapples with complex themes of love and morality, as well as the influence of supernatural forces in human affairs. It is heavily influenced by Calderón's exploration of philosophical and metaphysical questions, particularly regarding fate and free will. At the start of the play, we meet Cyprian, a devoted scholar who seeks solitude amid the festive celebrations in Antioch. He is accompanied by his servants, Clarin and Moscon, who represent contrasting attitudes toward love and life. Soon, Cyprian encounters a mysterious Demon who challenges his intellect and introduces elements of enchantment and manipulation into the narrative. This interaction sets the tone for the examination of love’s trials and the struggle for independence against societal pressures, marked by the looming presence of Justina, the object of desire that ignites rivalry among the characters. The opening portion effectively establishes the characters and the emotional stakes while hinting at the deeper philosophical themes Calderón is renowned for.
Teatro selecto, tomo 4 de 4
"Teatro selecto, tomo 4 de 4" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a collection of plays likely written in the early 17th century. This volume includes various comedies, zarzuelas, and autos sacramentales, showcasing Calderón's talent for weaving themes of love, honor, and fate. Through the interplay of characters, the work navigates the complexities of human emotions and societal expectations, particularly focusing on relationships and moral dilemmas. The opening of this volume introduces characters such as Don Cárlos, who is deeply enmeshed in romantic and familial conflicts involving Leonor and their respective families. The dialogue reveals their struggles with love, trust, and misunderstandings, as well as the societal pressures that shape their decisions. Don Cárlos's attempts to navigate his feelings for Leonor, amidst accusations and shrouded identities, set the stage for the unfolding drama centered on honor and emotional turmoil, highlighting Calderón's exploration of the heart's frailties in the face of destiny.
Teatro selecto, tomo 1 de 4
"Teatro selecto, tomo 1 de 4" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a collection of select plays written in the late 17th century. This work features a range of Calderón's renowned dramas, including "La vida es sueño," "El mágico prodigioso," and "El príncipe constante," reflecting themes of philosophy, religion, and human experience. The collection showcases Calderón's significant contributions to Spanish literature, particularly in the context of the Golden Age theatrical tradition. The opening of this anthology presents an extensive transcription notice and a critical study that pays homage to Calderón's legacy. It discusses his impact on Spanish theater and the necessity for a renewed effort to engage with his works, given the historical indifference towards them despite their esteemed status. The critic emphasizes Calderón's unique style and thematic depth, setting the tone for exploring the playwright's complex characters and intricate plots across various genres, including religious and philosophical dramas. The early text serves both as an introduction to Calderón's profound influence on the literary world and as an invitation for readers to appreciate the richness of his theatrical contributions.
Teatro selecto, tomo 2 de 4
"Teatro selecto, tomo 2 de 4" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 17th century. This volume includes several of Calderón's notable tragedies, showcasing his intricate storytelling and deep exploration of themes such as honor, love, and revenge. The collection presents characters embroiled in complex relationships and conflicts, reflecting the societal issues of Calderón's time. The opening of the selected volume features the play "El médico de su honra" (The Honor of His Honor), which begins with a dramatic incident involving Infante Don Enrique, who falls from his horse and loses consciousness. As the other characters rush to his aid, we are introduced to the setting—a beautiful estate in the outskirts of Sevilla—and the unfolding drama. The characters, including Doña Mencía and Don Gutierre, quickly become entangled in a web of honor and jealousy, hinting at the complex relationships and conflicts that will develop throughout the play. The scene is set for a deep exploration of themes like jealousy and the pursuit of honor, promising an engaging narrative filled with emotional intensity.
Eight Dramas of Calderon
"Eight Dramas of Calderón" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a collection of translated theatrical works written in the early 17th century. This compilation features lesser-known plays that embody themes of love, honor, and personal tragedy, often highlighting the intricacies of human relationships and societal expectations. Calderón's renowned ability to weave dramatic tension and emotional depth into his narratives shines through, inviting readers to explore the lives of both familiar and original characters. The opening of the volume presents an advertisement from Edward Fitzgerald, the translator, apologizing for the liberties taken in rendering Calderón’s works into English. He notes the challenges of accurately conveying the original Spanish dramatic passion to an English-speaking audience, suggesting that certain facets of Calderón's brilliance might be lost in translation while retaining the essence of his storytelling. The first play, "The Painter of His Own Dishonour," introduces a complex tale involving Don Juan and his wife, Serafina, against the backdrop of nobility and personal conflict. Relationships are tested as secrets unfold, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of love, dishonor, and familial obligations, laying the groundwork for the emotional turmoil that will unfold throughout the play.
Teatro selecto, tomo 3 de 4
"Teatro selecto, tomo 3 de 4" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a collection of Spanish comedies written during the 17th century. This volume explores themes of love, honor, and the complexities of human relationships, featuring characters such as Don Félix, Lisardo, and Marcela, who navigate misunderstandings and romantic entanglements typical of Calderón's works. The opening of this collection presents a lively exchange between Marcela and her maid Silvia, as they express concern over being followed. Lisardo, another character, attempts to pursue Marcela while displaying close readings of the poetic interactions between them. As descriptions and sentiments unfold, underlying tensions surface related to jealousy and perception, particularly as characters express mixed feelings about love and discretion. The stage is set for intricate plots involving hidden identities, love interests, and the consequences of societal expectations, foreshadowing the complications that will arise as the story progresses.
The Purgatory of St. Patrick
"The Purgatory of St. Patrick" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a mystical drama written in the 17th century, a period marked by Spain's Golden Age literature. The play delves into themes of sin, redemption, and the metaphysical exploration of the soul’s journey in the afterlife. The central figure is Patrick, an Irish saint who embodies Christian virtues and confronts both worldly kings and supernatural entities as he aims to enlighten the hearts of his own people. The opening of the drama establishes a tense atmosphere filled with the turmoil of King Egerius, who grapples with haunting dreams and the weight of grief following the loss of his daughters. Egerius's emotional turmoil is exacerbated by a vision that intertwines fire and despair, leading him to a precipice. As tensions rise, Patrick and Luis Enius, another character seeking redemption, emerge, bringing forth themes of faith and divine intervention. The dichotomy between earthly power and spiritual salvation becomes evident as characters face their inner demons and the consequences of their actions, setting the stage for a rich exploration of Christian doctrine and moral dilemmas that unfold throughout the narrative.
The Two Lovers of Heaven: Chrysanthus and Daria A Drama of Early Christian Rome
"The Two Lovers of Heaven: Chrysanthus and Daria" by Pedro Calderón de la Barca is a dramatic work from the late 17th century, set against the backdrop of early Christian Rome. The play revolves around the intertwined destinies of its titular characters, Chrysanthus and Daria, whose profound love faces challenges not only from societal norms but also from the spiritual realm, as their dedication to faith and love leads them to martyrdom. The opening of the drama introduces Chrysanthus as a contemplative figure engrossed in reading a book that delves into complex theological concepts. His inner turmoil becomes evident as he grapples with the mysteries of faith and existence, engaging in a philosophical dialogue represented by two spirits who symbolize conflicting thoughts. Soon after, Daria, a priestess of Diana, enters and the two engage in a courtship steeped in questions of love and sacrifice. Their exchange reveals Daria's condition that she would only love someone who dies for her, thus setting the stage for the unfolding themes of devotion and martyrdom. As the characters navigate their attraction amidst the societal pressures and dangers of their environment, the groundwork for a poignant exploration of love's trials and triumphs is laid.