ABSTRACT
This chapter presents Caldern's monologue Life is a Dream, starts as a tragedy and ends as an uplifting lesson about man's capacity to exercise his own free will. Segismundo, heir to the throne of Poland, begins the action. The monologue focuses on Rosaura, who found her way into a barren mountainous terrain where she discovers the unfortunate Prince Segismundo chained in a tower like an animal. She left Moscow, in search of honour's satisfaction, to follow her enemy Astolfo, Duke of Moscow, to the Polish court. Disguised as a man and accompanied by her servant Clarion she has lost her way. She hears Segismundos melancholic outbursts and stays to listen as he tells the story of his misery. The monologue is accompanied by editors' commentaries and textual notes that point the beginner and the experienced actor towards the riches. Rosaura is a leading figure in the sub-plot of the play that focuses on honour wronged and honour restored.
