Setting

The Sleep of Reason takes place in Madrid during the month of December 1823, ending December 23. There are three locales in the play: the king's palace in Madrid, Goya's estate (quinta del sordo, house of the deaf), and Father Duaso's quarters in Madrid. Goya's estate and the king's palace are located across the Manzanares River from each other, close enough to be seen through a spyglass. All scenes take place inside.

Literary Devices

Foreshadowing is the most prominent device. Its most memorable employment is in Goya's dream, when animal monsters subject him to torture, trial, and humiliation. This is just before Goya wakes up and is subjected to the same treatment by soldiers of the Royal Volunteers. Allegory is another device: the events of Spain in 1823 refer to Franco's Spain (1939-70) and, partially, to Buero Vallejo's own story when he was jailed after the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). Symbolism...