Life Is a Dream by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
"Life is a Dream" is a philosophical allegory regarding the human situation and the mystery of life. The play follows the story of 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 returns him to the tower when the prince proves violent and unruly. The story explores themes of free will, fate, power and the thin line that separates reality from dreams.
The 996th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 18th on The 100 Best Books of World Literature (ABC.es)
- 20th on From Oedipus to The History Boys: Michael Billington's 101 greatest plays (The Guardian)
- Masterpieces of World Literature (Frank N. Magill)
- The 40 best plays of all time (Independent)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)