Life Is a Dream is a Spanish-language drama by Pedro Calderon de la Barca. First published in 1635 (or possibly early in 1636), it is a philosophical allegory regarding the human situation and the mystery of life. The play has been described as "the supreme example of Spanish Golden Age drama". The story focuses on the fictional Segismundo, Prince of Poland, who has been imprisoned in a tower by his father, King Basilio, following a dire prophecy that the prince would bring disaster to the country and death to the King. Basilio briefly frees Segismundo, but when the prince goes on a rampage, the king imprisons him again, persuading him that it was all a dream.
The play's main theme is the conflict between free will and fate. It is still one of Calderon's best-known and most studied works. Other themes include dreams vs. reality and the conflict between father and son. The play has been adapted for other stage works, in film and as a novel.
This edition has been formatted for your reader, with an active table of contents. It has also been annotated, with additional information about the book and its author, including an overview, background, plot, themes, analysis, adaptations, biographical information and selected plays.
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