Don Juan (or Don Giovanni) is a legendary fictional libertine, whose story has been told many times by different authors. "El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra ", is a play by Tirso de Molina, published in Spain around 1630 , and set in the 14th century. Evidence suggests it to be the first written version of the Don Juan legend. The other main work in Spanish literature about this character is "Don Juan Tenorio", a play written in 1844 by José Zorrilla.
The name is sometimes used figuratively, as a synonym for "womaniser," especially in Spanish slang.
The name is sometimes used figuratively, as a synonym for "womaniser," especially in Spanish slang.
Most authorities agree that the first recorded tale of Don Juan is El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra (The Trickster of Seville and the Stone Guest) by Tirso de Molina. Its publication date ranging from 1620 to 1625, depending upon the source, although it appeared in Spain as early as 1615. Don Juan is an unrepentant womanizer who seduces women either by disguising himself as their lovers or by promising marriage. He leaves a trail of broken hearts, angry husbands, and outraged fathers; finally slaying a certain Don Gonzálo. Later, when invited to supper in the cathedral by Don Gonzálo's ghost, he accepts, not wanting to appear the coward.
Depending upon the particular rendition of the legend, Don Juan's character is seen from one of two perspectives; a simple, lustful womanizer and cruel seducer who gets sex wherever he can, or a man who genuinely loves every woman he seduces, with the gift to see the true beauty and intrinsic value of every woman. The early versions of the legend of Don Juan always portray him in the former light
Depending upon the particular rendition of the legend, Don Juan's character is seen from one of two perspectives; a simple, lustful womanizer and cruel seducer who gets sex wherever he can, or a man who genuinely loves every woman he seduces, with the gift to see the true beauty and intrinsic value of every woman. The early versions of the legend of Don Juan always portray him in the former light
