Life Is a Dream

Usually recognized as Calderon's finest drama, Life Is a Dream premiered at the Royal Court of Spain. Its theme, revealed in the title, focuses on the instability of life and the illusory nature of the world. The story opens one night in the countryside between Poland and Russia, where Rosaura, a noblewoman disguised as a man, and her servant are journeying on foot after the loss of their horses. The opening lines give an example of Calderon's imagery and language: Are you the fabulous hippogriff running in harness with the wind?Flameless thunderbolt, featherless bird, fish without scales, Monster of the four elements without instinct to check your headlong flight?