The Spanish Drama: Lope DE Vega and Calderon

Introduction
"The Spanish Drama: Lope de Vega and Calderon" is a literary research study by English writer and critic George Henry Lewes, released in 1846. The book discusses two of Spain's biggest dramatists, Lope de Vega (1562-1635) and Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681), who both contributed greatly to the development of Spanish drama in the Golden Age. Lewes' work supplies an analysis of their lives, works, and the more comprehensive historical context that impacted their dramas.

Lope de Vega: The Prolific Playwright
Lope de Vega, likewise called the "Phoenix of Spain," was commemorated for his astonishing output of plays, which had a huge impact on the Spanish theater. Over his lifetime, he claimed to have actually written more than 1,800 plays, though only about 500 have actually made it through to this day. Lewes explores Lope's life, highlighting both his skill and controversial relationships in personal life that tainted his reputation however did not hinder his outstanding career.

Lope's works were focused on Spanish history, legends, and the exploration of human emotions. He excelled in creating credible and emotionally engaging characters and was known to blend comedy and tragedy in his plays. This mix allowed him to captivate audiences through the exploration of universal styles such as love, honor, and faith. Lewes applauds Lope's ability to comprehend human nature and the desires of the Spanish individuals, which allowed him to create plays that have resonated with audiences for centuries.

Pedro Calderón de la Barca: The Philosopher Playwright
In contrast to Lope's respected output, Calderón's works are more thematically focused and bring a deeper philosophical undercurrent. As a devout Catholic and a man of deep intellect, Calderón's dramas often revolved around spiritual styles and complex ethical problems.

Lewes dives into Calderón's life, which was marked by his commitment to the Church and his devotion to intellectual pursuits. Throughout his life, Calderón served both as a soldier and a priest, experiences which shaped the themes of his plays. His most well-known work, "La Vida es Sueño" (Life is a Dream), is a philosophical meditation on free will, fate, and the nature of reality, revealing his intellectual depth and his distinct contribution to Spanish literature.

The Evolution of Spanish Drama
Lewes' book uses a comprehensive overview of Spanish drama during the Golden Age. He argues that Spain's rich literary tradition was affected by historic events, social modifications, and the unique cultural essence of the country. Just like their English contemporaries, Spanish dramatists were motivated by the classics, particularly Greek disasters. Nevertheless, as Lewes notes, the Spanish theater developed its own distinct functions.

The works of Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca were instrumental in forming the trajectory of Spanish drama, setting a precedent for future generations of playwrights. Their plays tackled styles such as honor, love, religious beliefs, and the human condition, providing a striking contrast to the idealized world depicted in classical drama. Lewes also talks about the elaborate building and themes of Spanish comedies, which frequently worked as a social critique by humorously addressing the desires, faults, and hypocrisy of the Spanish nobility and society at large.

Conclusion
In "The Spanish Drama: Lope de Vega and Calderon", George Henry Lewes offers an extensive evaluation of the lives and works of 2 of Spain's most well known playwrights. In doing so, he not just helps the reader appreciate their creative genius however also provides valuable insights into the historic and social context that formed their plays. The book is a testimony to the impact and significance of Spanish drama and its capability to captivate and engage audiences both in its own age and throughout the centuries that followed.