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Calderón de la Barca

Definition

Calderón de la Barca was a Spanish playwright who lived during the 17th century, overlapping with the Siglo de Oro. His plays are known for their poetic language, philosophical depth, and exploration of complex themes such as honor, fate, and illusion versus reality.

Analogy

Calderón de la Barca's plays are like intricate puzzles that challenge your mind. Just as solving a puzzle requires careful analysis and attention to detail, understanding Calderón's works involves unraveling layers of meaning hidden within his poetic verses.

Related terms

Autos sacramentales: Like Lope de Vega, Calderón also wrote autos sacramentales. These religious plays were performed during Corpus Christi celebrations and often depicted biblical stories or abstract concepts related to faith.

La vida es sueño (Life Is a Dream): "La vida es sueño" is one of Calderón's most famous plays. It explores philosophical questions about free will versus determinism through the story of Segismundo, a prince imprisoned since birth.

Baroque theater: Calderón's works are considered representative of baroque theater due to their ornate language, elaborate staging techniques, and exploration of complex human emotions.