Life is a Dream: Analysis of Characters and Plot

What is the Intention to Carry Sigismund to the Palace?

Basilio intends to carry Sigismund to the palace to prevent him from overthrowing him and becoming a tyrant, as the stars had foretold.

How Does Sigismund React When Clotaldo Tells Him Why He Took Him from the Tower?

While initially surprised, Sigismund changes dramatically in the way he thinks and acts with other people.

What Were Sigismund's Reasons for Throwing a Servant from a Balcony of the Palace?

The servant challenged him, and when Sigismund said he would throw him from the balcony, the servant dared him to do it. Sigismund then grabbed him by the feet and threw him out the window.

How Does Basilio React When He Learns What Happened to the Servant?

He is annoyed and asks that Sigismund be taken away.

Sigismund's Claim to the Throne of Poland

Copy the lines in which Sigismund claims Basilio and states the reasons why he is entitled to be Prince of Poland:

"Tyrant of my will, if you are old and outdated, / dying, you give me? / Do you give me over what is mine? / Are you my father and my king, / after all this greatness / is given to me by nature / by rights of your law. / Then, although in this state, / I must not stay, and I ask accounts / the time I've taken / freedom, life, and honor, / and so thank me / I do not owe you, / for you are my debtor."

Why Does Rosaura Reappear Dressed as a Woman, Masquerading as Astrea?

Rosaura reappears dressed as a woman, masquerading as Astrea.

Sigismund's Monologue on Dreams

Copy the snippet of the monologue where Sigismund concludes that everyone dreams of what they are and therefore lives to dream:

"The rich man dreams of wealth, / that gives more care; / the poor man dreams who suffer / his misery and poverty; / he dreams that began to thrive, / he dreams that strives and aims / he dreams that offends and is offended, / all dream of what they are, / that no one even understands."

What is the Relationship Between Rosaura and Astolfo?

Rosaura and Astolfo were in love, but because Rosaura "was not noble," Astolfo leaves her for Estrella, who is his cousin.

Astolfo's Ambition

Explain the reasons why Astolfo might be considered ambitious.

Astolfo leaves Rosaura for Estrella, a noblewoman who has much money, even though he does not love her, and he hopes to marry her. She is the niece of the king; therefore, if he were her husband, he would have more power in the country, and also if Sigismund were not proclaimed king, he would be.

Rosaura's Monologue from Act XIII of the Second Day

Explain in your words what Rosaura said in her monologue from Act XIII of the second day.

She wants Astolfo not to realize who she is and says that her sorrows are not alone, that she would have experienced many, and that sorrows are never tired of hurting and being there with her. She wants to reveal her true identity but refrains for Clotaldo's honor.

Why Do the People Acclaim Sigismund to Be the King of Poland?

They do not want a foreign king; they want Sigismund to be the king of Poland because he is a descendant of the king, unlike Astolfo.

What Secrets Does Rosaura Reveal to Sigismund?

She reveals that she was the man dressed in disguise who arrived at the beginning, that she wants to kill Astolfo for leaving her, and that it was true that Sigismund was the Crown Prince of Poland.

How Does Clarin Die?

Clarin is blasted out of prison and dies lying at the foot of the king.

Sigismund's Evolution Throughout the Play

What has been the evolution of Sigismund from the beginning of the work to its outcome?

At the start of the play, he is no more than a prisoner in a castle, but in the end, he is the king of Poland.