Eight Dramas of Calderon

Life is a Dream (La vida es sueño) - This is perhaps Calderón's most famous work examining the nature of reality fate and free will through the story of Prince Segismundo who is imprisoned by his father to prevent a prophecy. The play delves into existential questions about human freedom and the quest for self-discovery. The Mayor of Zalamea (El alcalde de Zalamea) - A drama that deals with honor and justice. It follows a peasant mayor who seeks retribution after his daughter is wronged by a nobleman highlighting Calderón’s interest in social class and moral integrity. The Devotion of the Cross (La devoción de la cruz) - A theological play that explores themes of sin redemption and divine mercy through the story of a man who is drawn repeatedly to a cross symbolizing his complex relationship with fate and salvation. The Physician of His Own Honor (El médico de su honra) - A tragedy focusing on issues of jealousy and honor telling the story of a husband who is driven to extreme measures to protect his honor after suspecting his wife of infidelity.