During the 17th century, Spain witnessed a flowering of letters that was nourished by religious zeal, epic adventures, and a new sense of realism. In this program, leading scholars provide insights into the writings and personalities of Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and other giants of Spanish literature. Dramatic readings include excerpts from Cervantes’ Don Quijote and Los Trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, Vega’s Fuenteovejuna, Tirso de Molina’s El Burlador de Sevilla, Calderón de la Barca’s La Vida Es Sueño, and Francisco de Quevedo’s "Poderoso Caballero Es Don Dinero." (Spanish, 50 minutes)