Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 75 votes)
5 stars
26(35%)
4 stars
25(33%)
3 stars
24(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
75 reviews
July 15,2025
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A new student arrives at a school for blind young people.

This newcomer completely upsets the peace of mind that the students and directors had previously enjoyed.

Insidiously, this student introduces dissatisfaction and anxieties that were unknown before.

Moreover, the new student takes advantage of the pity that others show.

The situation now poses a difficult question: Will crime be the only solution to this complex and disturbing situation?

Or could it be that this new development is the consequence of spreading the very same pestilence that they had hoped to eliminate in the first place?

The future of the school and its inhabitants hangs in the balance as they grapple with these uncertainties.

It remains to be seen how they will navigate this new and challenging terrain.
July 15,2025
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Definitely still kinda weird, but probably my favorite reading of the semester.

The story has this unique charm that keeps pulling me in. The only thing is I can't tell if Ignacio is meant to be a villain or not.

My professor seems to take his side, which makes me even more confused. I think everything he's doing is stupid and just disturbing the peace.

He acts in ways that don't seem to have a clear purpose or a positive outcome. But maybe I'm missing something?

Maybe there's a deeper meaning or a hidden motivation behind his actions that I haven't been able to figure out yet.

Idk what the author meant him to be. It could be that the author is故意 leaving it ambiguous to make the readers think and question.

Or maybe there's a twist coming up later in the story that will change my whole perception of Ignacio.

Either way, I'm really looking forward to finding out more about this character and seeing how the story unfolds.
July 15,2025
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I really liked the truth... blindness being always super present, I love it.

It talks about how we prefer to comfort ourselves with lies (there is no one blinder than he who does not want to see). I love it, as always, that tragic ending for the one who tries to make others open their eyes and the fact that he emphasizes so much on the blind people calling themselves invidentes to make their problem less "real". How well this gentleman writes.

This article truly captivates me with its profound exploration of the theme of blindness, both literal and metaphorical. The author's description of our tendency to turn a blind eye to the truth and seek solace in falsehoods is both thought-provoking and relatable. The tragic fate of the protagonist who attempts to enlighten others adds an element of drama and poignancy to the story.

Moreover, the mention of the blind people's choice to call themselves invidentes highlights the complex ways in which we deal with our own limitations and insecurities. Overall, this is a beautifully written piece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
July 15,2025
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Not only is the Spanish language beautiful, but this play also provided me with a profound understanding of a different perspective. Ignacio, despite having a rather depressing life and being regarded by some as a pessimist, actually demonstrated a great deal of realism through his viewpoints. The symbolism in the play is truly amazing, as long as one knows what to look for. It is a beautiful work that offers much more than meets the eye.


The play's exploration of Ignacio's character and his experiences allows us to see the world from his unique vantage point. We are able to empathize with his struggles and understand the reasons behind his seemingly pessimistic outlook. At the same time, the use of symbolism adds another layer of depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking piece of art.


Overall, this play has left a lasting impression on me, not only because of the beauty of the Spanish language in which it is written, but also because of its ability to offer a fresh perspective on life and human nature. It is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring different cultures and ways of thinking.

July 15,2025
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Optimistic, gloomy, and disturbing.

Certainly, it doesn't leave you indifferent. At the beginning of the drama, I was worried about the condition of the characters, their "blindness." But as it progresses, not only do you get used to it, but Vallejo manages to convey the emotions and sensations of people who lack vision, which is interesting and enriching.

In the 1st Act, we are presented with a group of blind people, happy and optimistic, who live life fully without any hindrance. Here, Don Pablo (the director of the center) brings in a new member, Ignacio, who will have a very different concept from the others. All the students, especially Carlos and Elisa, will try to convince him of his error.

In the 2nd Act, Ignacio tells Miguelín, Carlos, Juana, Elisa, etc. his "truth": to admit his blindness and have the hope of seeing one day, which will gradually cause the breakdown of the group. The climax occurs when Ignacio kisses Juana, Carlos' girlfriend.

In the 3rd Act, everyone has changed a lot. Ignacio has won, he has broken the peace and brought war. But he hasn't "deceived" Carlos. For the good of all, he will ask him to leave the center, which he refuses as he is now in love with Juana.

Finally, Ignacio dies at the hands of Carlos, causing the reunification of the group and of Juana.

The only one who knows the identity of the murderer is Doña Pepita, the "seer" of the play (Don Pablo's wife), who will keep the terrible secret. But this death will not come cheap for Carlos, as now he will embody the pessimism and hope that Ignacio had: "And now the stars are shining with all their splendor, and the sighted enjoy their presence... Within our sight!..., if we had it..."

*-Esperanza (A student) - I have the feeling of something irreparable... - As if we had been making a big mistake... I feel empty... And alone...* [Occurs just after the death of Ignacio] (Representation of lost hope? Because when he dies, he can never have the hope of having vision with science or a miracle)

-Don Pablo: "On the contrary, they hear and orient themselves better than you. On the other hand... Don't think it's very appropriate to call them poor things... Don't you think so, Andrés (Ignacio's father)?"

-Don Pablo: "Forgive us for what may seem like a criticism but is just an explanation. The blind can reach wherever anyone can. We hold jobs..., we are strong, healthy, sociable... We have a moral of steel."

-Ignacio: "You refuse to face your tragedy, pretending a normality that doesn't exist."

-Ignacio: "You are too peaceful, too insincere, too cold. But I am burning inside, burning with a terrible fire that doesn't let me live and that can make you all burn."

-Ignacio: "Yes. You have known how to hide, as always, the irreparable of your misfortune among laughter."

-Ignacio: "I'm not trying anything. I'm just being sincere."

-Don Pablo: "What do they know about light" (referring to the blind) -Carlos: "Perhaps because they ignore it, it concerns them."

July 15,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

We had to read this piece of literature in my advanced Spanish class. It was daunting, to say the least. However, despite my limitation with Spanish being a second language in progress, the meaning behind the story was not lost.

This piece of drama is really amazing. It poses profound questions such as: What is the difference between being alive and actually living? Does one need vision to have true sight? Is Love sometimes a dark place, despite the rose-tinted viewpoint it is often placed in?

I highly recommend this piece of literature to Spanish speakers and people learning Spanish, such as I. I've read a translated version, and in my honest opinion, it failed to maintain the tone of the original literature. Nevertheless, this short dramatic work will not fail to leave you deeply moved. It makes you think about the essence of life, perception, and love in a way that few other works can.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human experience through the medium of literature.
July 15,2025
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All of you say: “Why don't you get a girlfriend?” But none, with the indescribable emotion of love in their voice, has said: “I love you.” (Furious.) Nor you either, isn't that so? Or perhaps you do say it? (Pause.) I don't need a girlfriend. I need an “I love you” said with all the soul! “I love you with your sadness and your anguish; to suffer with you, and not to take you to any false realm of joy.” There are no women like that.

It seems that in this world, the true expression of love is so hard to come by. People are more focused on the idea of having a partner rather than truly loving and understanding each other. The protagonist in this text is frustrated because he longs for a deep and sincere “I love you” that comes from the bottom of someone's heart. He doesn't want a superficial relationship based on false promises of happiness. He wants to share both the good and the bad with someone who truly loves him for who he is.

Maybe this is a common feeling among many people. We all search for that special someone who will love us unconditionally and be there for us through thick and thin. But in a society that often values appearance and material possessions over true love and connection, it can be difficult to find that person. However, we should not give up hope. There are still people out there who are capable of expressing their love with all the soul, and maybe one day, we will be lucky enough to find them.
July 15,2025
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The play "The Burning Darkness" tells the story of a group of blind youths who live in a training center run by Mr. Babloo (who is also blind). They study, have fun, and move around with ease without the need for a cane. These youths believe they are living a normal and natural life. One day, Ignacio, a new student full of longing for sight, joins the center. As the days pass, the students are influenced by Ignacio's idea that they are blind but not helpless, that they are living an abnormal and miserable life, not as happy as they think. However, this does not please Mr. Babloo or the student Carlos, who increasingly hates Ignacio. Here, the conflict begins between Ignacio's thought and the desire of some to maintain the peace of the center and continue the illusion of happiness. And this leads to a murder. Does the conflict end with the killing of the opponent?

Blindness here is only a symbolic blindness; it is the human's inability to overcome his limitations, impose his will, and discover the truth in his actions and in everything that surrounds him. In contrast to blindness, there is the symbol of light: the discovery of the truth.

#Quote
"Perhaps their ignorance of the light is what drives them to be obsessed with it."
July 15,2025
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Existentialism of the weno.... Ignacio, Carlos: I embrace both of you, in resignation and in deception, but above all in hope. It's a 4.5 (0.5 less due to the natural misogyny of the years in which the little book was written).

Existentialism is a complex and profound philosophical concept that delves into the nature of human existence. In this context, the mention of "existencialismo del weno" seems to hint at a particular brand or interpretation of existentialism.

The act of embracing Ignacio and Carlos in resignation, deception, and hope reflects the multifaceted nature of human experiences and emotions. Resignation may imply acceptance of the inevitable, while deception could suggest the presence of falsehood or self-deception. However, hope emerges as a powerful force that can sustain us even in the face of difficult circumstances.

The rating of 4.5, with a deduction of 0.5 for the perceived misogyny in the book, indicates a critical evaluation. It shows that while the work may have certain merits, it is not without its flaws. This kind of assessment encourages us to engage with the text more deeply and consider its implications in a broader social and cultural context.
July 15,2025
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The truth is that how fast it is to read, HAHAHAHAHAHA 1 and a half hours.

It's quite astonishing how quickly one can get through a piece of reading material. In just one and a half hours, so much can be absorbed and understood. Reading at such a pace requires a certain level of concentration and comprehension skills. It could be that the material is engaging and interesting, making it easier to breeze through. Or perhaps the reader is highly proficient and experienced in reading, able to quickly process the information. Either way, it's an impressive feat. One can only imagine the amount of knowledge and ideas that can be gained in such a short period of time. It makes one wonder what else could be accomplished with a bit more time and focus.

July 15,2025
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"Te quiero con tu tristeza y tu angustia; para sufrir contigo, y no para llevarte a ningún falso reino de la alegria." This beautiful and profound statement expresses a love that is not based on false promises of constant happiness but rather a willingness to share in the pain and sorrow of the other.


Interesantes reflexiones en la guia de lectura: "Ignacio y Carlos encarnan dos posturas del hombre frente a su limitación: asumirla y negarla." Here, we see two different ways in which people respond to their limitations. Carlos views his limitations with horror and tries to flee from them by denying their existence. On the other hand, Ignacio bravely accepts his limitations but without faith or any hope of triumph. He sinks into a sterile despair, perhaps feeling that there is no way out.


"La sociedad queda retratada, ciegos frente a la evidente manipulación de nuestras vidas y felices de vivir ajenos a la realidad circundante." This observation highlights the state of society, where people seem to be blind to the obvious manipulation of their lives and are content to live in a state of ignorance, away from the harsh realities that surround them. It makes one wonder about the true nature of our existence and whether we are truly aware of the forces that shape our lives.

July 15,2025
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No se puede hablar de este libro con quien no lo ha leído.

It is clear that Buero Vallejo is a master. Whenever one reads his works, it must be done with a critical edition that explains exactly what the author intends to say. Even if one's own hypotheses approach "the truth".

His plays are rich in meaning and depth, often exploring complex themes such as human nature, society, and politics.

To fully understand his works, one needs to not only read the text but also study the historical and cultural context in which they were written.

A critical edition can provide valuable insights into these aspects, helping the reader to appreciate the full significance of the play.

Therefore, it is essential to use a critical edition when reading Buero Vallejo's works.
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