Life Is a Dream

The baroque style was one of emotion. "Characterized by dramatic expression, theatrical spectacle, and spatial grandeur, the baroque became the hallmark of an age of exuberant expansion." (Fiero, 1) In literature these characteristics can be seen a number of different ways. The use of antitheses sets a dramatic tone by creating a direct contrast between feelings as well as creating tension. The repeated occurrence of disorientation, both literally and figuratively, will also create a more dramatic environment. Pedro Calderon de la Barca's Life Is a Dream portrays these traits in a scene in which King Basilio has returned to see his son, Segismundo. He has returned Segismundo to be imprisoned in the tower and has Clotaldo tell him that his life as the Prince was actually a dream.

Throughout Life Is a Dream there is contradiction in the words of the characters, as well as a sudden change of a contrasting idea. "The rich man dreams of his riches which just offer him up more cares. The poor man dreams he suffers his misery and poverty." (Calderon, 66) These statements illustrate the use of completely contrasting ideas. Even more than just contrasting ideas, they are extreme ones. Calderon also uses two words in a single statement that give a similar effect. "And this was a lie Clotaldo, a cruel and flattering lie." (Calderon, 64) The use of the two contradictory words, cruel and flattering, makes this statement a paradox. Though it seems that it would be impossible for something to be cruel and flattering at the same time, in the context of Segismundo's dream it is very true. Calderon uses words at two completely opposite ends of the spectrum in these statements to create a sort of tension to their dialogue, which creates the most dramatic atmosphere.

Drama can also be created through the use of strong or extreme feelings. The idea of being disoriented can create such feelings. "And I can't be that far wrong for if everything was a dream everything I saw and touched for sure then anything could be a dream, everything I see and touch now." (Calderon, 64) Segismundo's inability to realize whether or not he is even awake creates the strong feelings of being lost and desperate. The disoriented feeling does not always occur in a literal sense; it sometimes comes in a symbolic way. "I felt a foolish curiosity to see what will happen to Segismundo and I felt a foolish grief."