Don Juan Tenorio

Cloaks and masks are major symbols in the play. They prevent people from being seen as they are. They allow the characters to hide things and lie to each other. They show people refusing to be their true, authentic selves. For example, when Don Luis comes to get revenge on Don Juan, he comes wrapped in a cloak. Don Juan's servant is not able to identify him to his master. Also, Don Gonzalo dons a mask to hide his identity from Don Juan and Don Luis but, at the same time, he is using it to discover the true character of Don Juan.

The motif of tables being set for people is another that Zorrilla uses to illustrate what a person deserves. For example, the innkeeper at the beginning sets a specific table for Don Juan and Don Luis. He says, "You'll see, I'm setting a table for them: and if you like I'll place you here, so you can see, then, the meal I'm serving them. Oh I hope the scene will amaze you” (9). He also ferries Don Gonzalo and Don Diego to their tables where they can secretly watch Don Juan and Don Luis.