Calderon's Life is a Dream: A Masterpiece of Spanish Literature in PDF Format
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if it was all a dream? That is the question that Pedro Calderon de la Barca explores in his classic play Life is a Dream (Zivot je san in Croatian), written in 1635. This philosophical drama deals with themes such as free will, fate, illusion, and reality, and has been considered one of the greatest works of Spanish literature.
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If you want to read this masterpiece in its original language, or if you are curious about how it sounds in Croatian, you can download the PDF version of the play for free from various online sources. In this article, we will show you where to find Calderon's Life is a Dream PDF online and why you should read it.
Where to Find Calderon's Life is a Dream PDF Online
There are several websites that offer free PDF downloads of Calderon's Life is a Dream, both in Spanish and in Croatian. Here are some of them:
Scribd: This website has the full text of the play in Croatian, translated by Nikola Milicevic. You can read it online or download it as a PDF file.
Vdocuments: This website has a PDF document that contains the Croatian translation of the play by Nikola Milicevic, as well as some notes and analysis.
Scribd: This website has a PDF document that contains a summary and an introduction to the play in Croatian.
Project Gutenberg: This website has the full text of the play in Spanish, as well as an English translation by Edward Fitzgerald. You can read it online or download it as a PDF file.
Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes: This website has the full text of the play in Spanish, as well as an audio version and some critical essays. You can read it online or download it as a PDF file.
Why You Should Read Calderon's Life is a Dream
Calderon's Life is a Dream is not only a fascinating and entertaining play, but also a profound and timeless reflection on human nature and existence. The plot revolves around Segismundo, a prince who has been imprisoned since birth by his father, King Basilio, because of a prophecy that he would become a tyrant and overthrow him. Basilio decides to test his son's character by giving him a chance to rule for one day, but then makes him believe that it was all a dream. Segismundo struggles to understand his reality and his destiny, and faces moral dilemmas and conflicts with other characters.
The play raises questions such as: What is the difference between dreams and reality? How much control do we have over our lives? How do we know what is true and what is false? How should we act according to our conscience and our duty? How do we cope with injustice and suffering? How do we balance our passions and our reason? These are questions that are still relevant today, and that can inspire us to think more deeply about ourselves and our world.
Calderon's Life is a Dream is also a masterpiece of poetic and dramatic expression, full of beautiful and powerful language, imagery, symbols, metaphors, and dialogues. The play combines elements of comedy and tragedy, realism and fantasy, philosophy and religion, creating a rich and complex work of art that appeals to both the mind and the heart.
If you are looking for a captivating and meaningful reading experience, you should definitely download Calderon's Life is a Dream PDF and enjoy this classic of Spanish literature.
What is Calderon's Life is a Dream About?
Calderon's Life is a Dream is a complex and symbolic play that can be interpreted in different ways. The main plot follows the story of Segismundo, a prince who has been locked up in a tower since his birth by his father, King Basilio, who feared a prophecy that said his son would overthrow him and bring chaos to Poland. Basilio decides to give Segismundo a chance to prove himself worthy of the throne by secretly bringing him to the court and letting him rule for one day. However, he also plans to make him think that everything was a dream if he fails the test.
Segismundo wakes up in the palace, unaware of his true identity and his past. He is confused and amazed by his new surroundings, but also overwhelmed by his passions and impulses. He acts violently and arrogantly, offending and threatening everyone he meets, including his cousin Astolfo, who is engaged to Basilio's niece Estrella, and Rosaura, a mysterious lady who came to Poland seeking justice for a broken promise. Basilio regrets his decision and orders Segismundo to be drugged and taken back to his prison.
Segismundo wakes up again in his tower, believing that everything he experienced was a dream. He reflects on the meaning of life and the nature of reality, and decides to change his behavior and accept his fate. Meanwhile, the people of Poland rebel against Basilio's tyranny and demand Segismundo as their rightful king. They free him from his prison and lead him to war against Basilio. Segismundo faces a moral dilemma: should he take revenge on his father and fulfill the prophecy, or should he forgive him and renounce his power?
What are the Main Themes of Calderon's Life is a Dream?
Calderon's Life is a Dream explores many themes that are relevant to human existence and society, such as:
Dreams and reality: The play questions the distinction between dreams and reality, and suggests that both are subjective and illusory. Segismundo does not know if he is awake or dreaming, and neither do the audience. The play also shows how dreams can influence reality, and vice versa. For example, Segismundo's dream of being a king makes him act like one when he wakes up, and his dream of being a prisoner makes him more humble and virtuous when he wakes up again.
Free will and fate: The play examines the role of free will and fate in human life, and whether they are compatible or contradictory. Basilio tries to control his son's destiny by locking him up, but he also gives him a choice to prove himself. Segismundo has to decide whether to follow his natural instincts or his rational conscience, and whether to accept or resist his fate. The play also suggests that fate can be changed by human actions, as Segismundo defies the prophecy by sparing his father.
Honor and justice: The play explores the concepts of honor and justice, and how they are defined and applied in different situations. Rosaura seeks justice for her dishonor by Astolfo, who promised to marry her but then abandoned her. She disguises herself as a man and follows him to Poland, where she meets Segismundo, who promises to help her. However, she also faces a conflict between her honor and her love for Segismundo, who is Astolfo's rival. Astolfo claims that he acted honorably by following his duty to marry Estrella, who is of royal blood. Estrella also values her honor above her feelings for Astolfo, who she suspects of being unfaithful. Basilio considers his honor as a king and a father at stake when he deals with Segismundo.
How to Enjoy Calderon's Life is a Dream
Calderon's Life is a Dream is a play that can be enjoyed in different ways, depending on your preferences and interests. You can read it as a literary text, appreciate it as a theatrical performance, or analyze it as a philosophical work. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Calderon's Life is a Dream:
Read it as a literary text: If you want to enjoy the beauty and richness of Calderon's language and style, you can read the play as a literary text, either in Spanish or in Croatian. You can download the PDF version of the play from the websites mentioned above, or you can buy a printed edition from a bookstore or an online retailer. You can also find online annotations and commentaries that can help you understand the historical and cultural context of the play, as well as its literary devices and techniques.
Appreciate it as a theatrical performance: If you want to enjoy the drama and spectacle of Calderon's play, you can watch it as a theatrical performance, either live or recorded. You can look for local theaters or festivals that stage Calderon's plays, or you can search for online videos or DVDs of previous productions. You can also find online reviews and critiques that can help you appreciate the artistic and technical aspects of the performance, such as the acting, the directing, the scenography, the costumes, and the music.
Analyze it as a philosophical work: If you want to enjoy the depth and complexity of Calderon's ideas and arguments, you can analyze the play as a philosophical work, either individually or in a group. You can download the PDF version of the play from the websites mentioned above, or you can buy a printed edition from a bookstore or an online retailer. You can also find online essays and articles that can help you explore the philosophical themes and questions of the play, such as dreams and reality, free will and fate, honor and justice, and human nature and existence.
Conclusion
Calderon's Life is a Dream is a masterpiece of Spanish literature that deserves to be read, watched, and discussed by anyone who is interested in drama, poetry, philosophy, or history. It is a play that challenges and entertains its audience with its captivating plot, its powerful language, its symbolic imagery, and its profound message. It is a play that invites us to reflect on our own lives and dreams, and on our role in society and history.
If you want to discover this classic of Spanish literature for yourself, you can download Calderon's Life is a Dream PDF for free from various online sources. You will not regret it! b99f773239