En la ardiente oscuridad

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In the author's own words his play "aims to set down within a realistic framework, so necessary to the theatre, a nucleus of problems and passions involving man in general, and not blind people in particular." The physical blindness of the depicted characters is only a motive or pretext for presenting the limitations we all share as human beings. Accordingly, the play must be understood as a sketch of the tragedy of man and his destiny, a problem which again is acquiring legitimacy and urgency, outstepping from the serious Spanish theatre studies into the surrounding reality. Two aspects are set down as intentionally dominant within the plan of Buero Vallejo's work. One is the social relationship, a mixture of free and forced situations, which arestablished between a strong individuality whose reasoning and frustration conflict with the reasoning and passion of the community. The other involves the tension of the visionary, the yearning for "light" and the belief in it which occasionally distinguishes the people of genuine religious feelings facing the material interests of the majority.

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 2,1950

About the author

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Antonio Buero Vallejo was a Spanish playwright considered the most important Spanish dramatist of the Spanish Civil War. During his career he won three National Theatre Prizes (in 1957, 1958 & 1959), a National Theatre Prize for all his career in 1980, the National Literature Prize in 1996, and the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, Spain's highest literary honour, in 1986. From 1971 until his death he was a member of the Real Academia Española.

From 1934 to 1936 Vallejo studied art and painting at San Fernando Escuela de Arte, in Madrid. During the civil war, he served as a medical aid in the Republican army. After the war he was imprisoned for six years. After being released he wrote Story of a Stairway in 1949. This work presented a graphic picture of Spain after the Civil War and won the Lope de Vega Prize, establishing Vallejo as one of the foremost authors in Spain. While other authors left Spain to escape Franco's censorship, Vallejo stayed in Spain and used symbolism to criticize the government. In 1971, he was elected to the Royal Spanish Academy. In 1994 he was awarded the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts and the Gold Medal of the Society of Authors of Spain.

A common theme in his work is Spain's problems during and after Franco. In the tragedies there is always a sense of hope for the future. His works make frequent use of the symbolism of the senses—for example, using the "fiery darkness," in which the protagonist cannot see, as a symbol of Spain's dark situation.


Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 75 votes)
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75 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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The text you provided seems to be in Arabic. However, I will try to rewrite and expand it based on the English translation you might have intended.

The author is expressing that just as we often miss out on things, we also tend to receive what is said to us with a certain level of annoyance. People who love us and are pained when they see us in distress approach us, but we don't want to understand them. We push them away at a time when we are desperately seeking the comfort of a friend. This behavior of ours can have negative consequences on our relationships. We should learn to be more receptive and understanding of the people who care about us. Instead of brushing them aside, we should listen to what they have to say and try to see things from their perspective. By doing so, we can strengthen our bonds with them and find the support and comfort we need in difficult times.



04/10/2020
July 15,2025
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I love you as you are, with your sadness and worry, for I want to share your hardships with you, and not take you to any false kingdom of happiness.

You do not deserve life because you strive to flee from your hardships, because you are tired of facing your misfortunes and disappointments, pretending to live a false material life.

This profound statement makes us reflect on the true meaning of love and life. Love should not be about escaping difficulties but rather sharing and supporting each other through them. And life is not just about the pursuit of material things but also about facing and growing from our challenges.

We should learn to embrace our true selves and the difficulties that come our way, for it is through these experiences that we can truly understand and appreciate the beauty and value of life.
July 15,2025
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I have really liked it.

It has a good ending and a good reflection.

Yes, indeed, it makes one think, gentlemen.

This piece has managed to capture my attention from the very beginning.

The way it is written, with its engaging narrative and thought-provoking ideas, has left a lasting impression on me.

The ending, in particular, ties everything together neatly and provides a sense of closure.

It makes me wonder about various aspects of life and how we can apply the lessons learned from this story to our own experiences.

Overall, it is a great piece that I would highly recommend to others.

It is not only entertaining but also has the power to make us stop and think about the deeper meaning of things.

So, I encourage you all to give it a read and see for yourselves what it has to offer.

You might be surprised at how much it can触动 your heart and mind.
July 15,2025
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The first work of Buero Vallejo surprises me. Years after leaving high school, when I read it again, I confirm its meanings but also appreciate his talent, metaphors, and absolute mastery of dialogues. The final monologue of Carlos is still astonishing.


His use of language is so vivid and powerful that it brings the characters and the story to life. The metaphors he employs add depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking experience.


The dialogues are not only well-written but also flow naturally, as if the characters are having real conversations. This makes it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story and understand the relationships between the characters.


Overall, I am truly impressed by Buero Vallejo's first work and look forward to exploring more of his literature in the future.

July 15,2025
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We had to read this in Spanish for my Spanish class.

For all us non-native speakers, it was quite confusing. However, I could understand the implications and allusions to late-Francoism in Spain. The "non-seers" were the complacent citizens who were unaware of their oppression.

I think, and don't hold me to this as I was struggling to keep up most of the time, that the language and writing were beautiful. It was like Plato's Cave allegory, which is cool but also super depressing.

The whole play placed superiority on that carefully crafted intellectual depression. It seemed that the only truly intelligent and worldly people were those who had abandoned hope and optimism and believed everything was going to end in hellfire. So, why bother postponing the inevitable and be miserable now? They also believed that anyone who did not share this belief was stupid or not an intellectual equal.

I totally understand this viewpoint, but I think it's complete bs. It's the easy way out and the perfect excuse for bad behavior. I understand the importance of not being ignorant and knowing about the bad things happening in the world. But I also believe the main goal should be to live your life in ways that help yourself and others and make as many people happy as possible.

I believe the point of life is to enjoy it. While others may not agree, this play singularly focuses on the negative aspects of things. It starts with Ignacio being depressed and ends with Carlos and the rest being depressed. (Sorry, not really a spoiler as you can see it coming from a mile away. That's just the vibe with this play.)

Overall, it's a very good play with great writing, written by a very intelligent, cynical man.
July 15,2025
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The plot of this play has seemed original to me and its development, entertaining.

Although I haven't liked it as much as other works by Buero Vallejo, it poses very interesting questions and has made me reflect.

This drama presents a unique storyline that catches the audience's attention from the beginning. The way the story unfolds keeps the viewers engaged and interested.

Even though it may not be my favorite among Buero Vallejo's works, it still manages to raise thought-provoking issues.

These questions make the audience stop and think about various aspects of life, society, and human nature.

Overall, this play has its own charm and value, and it is definitely worth watching and reflecting on.
July 15,2025
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A work of existentialist theater from the perspective of blindness; its symbolism only enhances it. This unique piece of theater delves deep into the human condition, exploring themes such as isolation, meaninglessness, and the search for self. The use of blindness as a central motif adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. It forces the audience to view the world through the eyes of the blind characters, experiencing their struggles and triumphs in a more profound way. The symbolism employed throughout the play further enriches the experience, representing abstract concepts and emotions in a tangible and vivid manner. Overall, this existentialist theater work offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the human psyche, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

July 15,2025
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This notebook is quite cool. I don't care what Pedro said.

It really catches my eye with its unique design and features.

Maybe Pedro has his own opinion, but for me, this notebook is a great find.

I can use it to jot down my thoughts, ideas, and important notes.

Its pages are smooth and the binding is sturdy.

Whether I'm in class, at work, or just relaxing at home, this notebook will be by my side.

I don't let Pedro's words affect my enjoyment of this amazing notebook.

It's mine and I'm going to make the most of it.

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