Female Presence in Tirso's El burlador de Sevilla

Abstract

This paper presents a holistic picture of the female presence in Tirso's El burlador de Sevilla . Female representation is studied not only through the four main heroines—as has been usually the case—but also taking into consideration the oblique references to "invisible women" scattered throughout the play. The "absent" queen, the prostitutes, and other burladas , join the debate over the female role in the play. This encompassing view of female figures illuminates their function as a subversive force that challenges the established order, and constitutes the play's primary source of dramatic energy.