The Historical Period and Characters in Gonzalo Torrente Ballester’s Play
Historical Period
After analyzing the comments of some of the characters in the play, I’ve come to the conclusion that the character of King Philip IV references the favorite, the Count Duke of Olivares, and Queen Isabella of Spain, the daughter of French King Henry IV, whom he married in 1615.
Philip IV was proclaimed king in 1621 after the death of his father. In contrast to this, it was kept abreast of political changes during his reign. But it was also very fond of court life. Of these misfortunes were born: Fernando Felipe de Austria, who died eight years, Margaret of San Jose, which became a nun, and John of Austria, son of the king’s most famous courtesan: “The Calderon.”
Ong served for twenty years in full harmony with the king. The interests of this were simple: keep the dynastic heritage and reputation of the Monarchy
A few days later to become King Philip IV the truce concluded between Spain and Holland. The Thirty Years War was beginning well. During the early years had a series of victories. In 1626 silver was barely, capturing the silver fleet by the Navy Netherlands in Cuba was hit hard. These used to retaliate the Flanders.
In 1644 Isabella of Spain dies.
During the seventeenth century highlight: in literature, the publication of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes.
As in the book, the Kings have a court painter, which could be Diego Velasquez who became royal painter in 1622.
Philip II’s successor was Charles II.
The Work
The play is written by Gonzalo Torrente Ballester his title is well understood at the beginning of the play where the gossip of the court qualifies the king and stunned, because after seeing naked Marfisa say that he has been stunned face.
This book is the Planeta publishing within the Spanish and Hispanic authors collection.
The main issue is the attempt by the king to see the queen naked, and all that that entails, but we can see issues behind this, because the king never decided by the same so another issue is the policy in Spain time of the Inquisition.
Characters
Father Rivadesella
Starring an encounter with the Devil, takes part in the council organized to determine whether or not the King see the Queen naked.
Diego
Raised faithful and devoted the Grand Inquisitor. It warns that, by order of this; to Marfisa to escape, and thus prevent the arrest by the order itself had authorized Inquisitor.
King
Philip IV. Young, naive and uninhibited. Marfisa sleeps with, to like what he saw would do the same with his wife, the Queen.
Queen
Isabel of Bourbon. King’s wife, takes a leading role by refusing to accede to what the King asked.
Lucrecia
Marfisa’s maid. It has an important role.
Marfisa
One could say it represents the role of the famous courtesan of the king, called “The Calderon.” Class prostitute in the city. He sleeps with the King. This gives rise to the scandal. Celestina makes possible the final meeting between the King and Queen. In addition support and advice to the latter.
Abbess
Let Marfisa hidden in her convent as is sought to be executed for sleeping with the King.
Father Starchs
Jesuit, pure and chaste.
Villaescusa Friar
Franciscan Friar, is that further investigation on the topic of infidelity. All you avoid. Even the Inquisitor.
Andrada Peña Count
The first matchmaker that appears in the work, first organized the meeting between Marfisa and King, and later helps Marfisa escape the convent.
Valid
Count-Duke of Olivares. Believer, is the only one that shows the end of the work that is able to do anything for their creed.
Wife of Valid
Ines de Zuniga. Uninhibited and liberal Valid wife. But he is restrained by the beliefs of this.
Grand Inquisitor
There should be the defender of the Church par excellence, but it shows that even cures fully believed in religion, just believe what they are saying.
Colette
Maid and accomplice of the Queen, she advises and helps people make a decision on whether or not to be seen naked by the King.
The Trasgu
So the father called the Devil Rivadesella during their meeting at the oak.
Organization of the characters in groups
Principal
-Queen-King-Marfisa-Conde Rivadesella
Children
“Father Rivadesella-Diego-Abbess Lucrezia Starchs-Fraile” Father Villaescusa-Valid-Wife of Valid-Colette-Grand Inquisitor
Other
“The Trasgu: It is a stock character. Represents reason, logic. He alone knows what it says without being influenced by beliefs. It simply says it like it is. Rivadesella ignores him because he thinks like the Devil what he says are foolish.