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26 pages 52 minutes read

Don Juan Tenorio

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1844

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Book Brief

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José Zorrilla y Moral

Don Juan Tenorio

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1844
Book Details
Pages

118

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Seville, Spain • 16th Century

Publication Year

1844

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Don Juan Tenorio by José Zorrilla y Moral follows the exploits of the libertine Don Juan, who indulges in debauchery and engages in a bet with Don Luis Mejia to see who can cause more harm in a year. This leads Don Juan to seduce and kidnap brides, causing multiple deaths. Eventually, he finds redemption through the love of the pure-hearted novice, Dona Ines, who dies after falling for him.

Romantic

Mysterious

Fantastical

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Don Juan Tenorio by José Zorrilla y Moral is praised for its vibrant characters, poetic dialogue, and enduring themes of love, honor, and redemption. However, some critics find its plot predictable and its moralizing tone slightly overbearing. Overall, it remains a cherished classic in Spanish literature, celebrated for its artistic merit and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Don Juan Tenorio?

Readers who enjoy Don Juan Tenorio by José Zorrilla y Moral are typically fans of romantic drama and classic literature, similar to those who appreciate Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare or The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. They revel in themes of love, honor, and redemption set against an atmospheric historical backdrop.

Character List

Don Juan Tenorio

The main character, a charismatic and thrill-seeking young man who makes a reckless bet involving dishonoring women and killing men. He becomes entangled with Dona Ines and faces challenges due to his actions.

Don Juan’s rival, similar in nature as a pleasure-seeking gallant who participates in the same bet with a focus on reputation and bravado. He is engaged to Dona Ana.

Dona Ines’s father, a stern and honorable knight commander who takes great care for his daughter’s future and confronts Don Juan regarding his intentions.

Father of Don Juan, a noble and intelligent man who seeks to understand his son's true character by observing his actions and their consequences.

A devout young woman living in a convent who becomes involved with Don Juan. She is characterized by her virtuous nature and inner strength.

Owner of a tavern where key discussions regarding the bet take place. He allows others to eavesdrop and admires Don Juan for his charisma.

Don Juan’s servant, known for his indulgent lifestyle paid for by his master. He assists in scheming to fulfill Don Juan's objectives.

Fiancée of Don Luis Mejia, engaged in a relationship underscored by loyalty and promises, and becomes involved in Don Juan's schemes.

Servant to Dona Ines, motivated by money and instrumental in manipulating her mistress’s perception of Don Juan.

A friend who supports Don Luis in the wager, exhibiting keen observation and a moral perspective on Don Juan’s actions.

An impulsive friend of Don Luis, later associated with Don Juan. He wagers blindly based on knowledge of Don Luis’s past.

A loyal servant of Don Luis who cooperates in the second bet but advises against it, indicating his practical nature.

Dona Ana's maid, driven by financial gain and easily swayed to aid Don Juan’s plans despite her mistress's engagement.

Witnesses to key events related to the wager and later provide context to Don Juan about developments concerning a cemetery.

Book Details
Pages

118

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Seville, Spain • 16th Century

Publication Year

1844

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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