Реферат: Life Lessons

Basilio to watch his legitimate heir assume the role of King.

Therefore, the prophecy is a hoax because the only predetermined

fate is death, and when Sigismund does ascend to the throne he

proves to be even more learned and great than his father.

Each of us should have taken from this play a valuable

lesson on how to live so that our fate may be favorable. I

believe whole-heartedly that this was Pedro Calderon de la

Barca s intention in writing this play. Sigismund, a monster, is

symbolic of his own tormented self, and his moment of desengano

is symbolic of the reconciliation between his own passions and

the higher order:

I believe now that all human lives

Are just like dreams. They come, they go.

Perfection is impossible, we know.

Then noble hearts, show mercy thus,

And for our worst faults gently pardon us

(III, ii, 281).

Barca s lesson for us is the same as it was for Sigismund. The

ultimate fate is death – the only predestination; everything else

is up to us. Should we choose to have faith and live right,

eternal happiness shall be ours.