# José Zorrilla

> Spanish poet, writer, fighter (1817–1893)

**Wikidata**: [Q331863](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q331863)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_Zorrilla)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jose-zorrilla

## Summary
José Zorrilla (1817–1893) was a Spanish poet, playwright, and writer, best known for his dramatic work *Don Juan Tenorio*. He is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in Spanish Romantic literature and was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy.

## Biography
- Born: February 21, 1817
- Nationality: Spain
- Education: University of Valladolid, Royal University of Toledo
- Known for: Authoring the play *Don Juan Tenorio* and contributions to Spanish Romantic literature
- Employer(s): Royal Spanish Academy (member)
- Field(s): Literature, poetry, drama

## Contributions
José Zorrilla is most notably the author of the play *Don Juan Tenorio*, a cornerstone of Spanish Romantic drama. First performed in 1844, the work remains one of the most enduring and frequently staged plays in Spanish theater. He also contributed significantly to Spanish poetry and literature, solidifying his reputation as a central figure in 19th-century Spanish culture.

## FAQs
**Where was José Zorrilla educated?**  
José Zorrilla was educated at the University of Valladolid and the Royal University of Toledo, both institutions in Spain.

**What is José Zorrilla's most famous work?**  
His most famous work is the play *Don Juan Tenorio*, first performed in 1844, which became a classic of Spanish Romantic literature.

**Was José Zorrilla affiliated with any institutions?**  
Yes, he was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy, the official institution responsible for regulating the Spanish language.

**What fields did José Zorrilla contribute to?**  
José Zorrilla contributed to literature, poetry, and drama, particularly during the Romantic movement in Spain.

## Why They Matter
José Zorrilla is significant for shaping Spanish Romantic literature, particularly through his play *Don Juan Tenorio*, which remains a cultural and theatrical landmark. His work influenced the trajectory of Spanish drama and continues to be performed and studied. As a member of the Royal Spanish Academy, he also played a role in the preservation and evolution of the Spanish language. His legacy endures in both academic and popular culture, where his works are seen as essential to understanding 19th-century Spanish identity.

## Notable For
- Writing the iconic play *Don Juan Tenorio* (1844)
- Being a member of the Royal Spanish Academy
- Contributing to Spanish Romantic literature
- Educated at the University of Valladolid and the Royal University of Toledo
- Influencing Spanish drama and poetry in the 19th century

## Body

### Early Life and Education
José Zorrilla was born on February 21, 1817, in Spain. He pursued his education at two historic Spanish institutions: the University of Valladolid and the Royal University of Toledo. The latter, founded in 1520 and dissolved in 1845, was a significant center of learning during its time. Zorrilla's academic background laid the foundation for his later literary achievements.

### Career and Literary Contributions
Zorrilla became a defining voice in Spanish Romantic literature. His most celebrated work, *Don Juan Tenorio*, was first performed in 1844 and quickly established itself as a classic. The play reimagined the Don Juan myth and became a staple of Spanish theater, known for its poetic language and dramatic intensity. Beyond this, Zorrilla published numerous poems and literary works that contributed to the cultural fabric of 19th-century Spain.

### Affiliations and Recognition
José Zorrilla was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española), the official body responsible for overseeing the Spanish language. This affiliation placed him among Spain's most respected literary figures. The Academy, founded in 1713, has long been a guardian of linguistic standards and literary excellence in the Spanish-speaking world.

### Legacy and Influence
Zorrilla's influence on Spanish literature is profound. His *Don Juan Tenorio* continues to be performed and studied, symbolizing the Romantic spirit in Spanish drama. His poetry and literary works remain integral to the canon of Spanish literature, influencing generations of writers and dramatists. As a cultural figure, Zorrilla helped shape the national narrative of Spain during a period of significant artistic and intellectual development.

### Publications and Works
- *Don Juan Tenorio* (1844) – A seminal work in Spanish Romantic drama, frequently performed and studied.
- Numerous poems and literary writings that contributed to the Romantic movement in Spain.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
- Born: February 21, 1817
- Died: January 23, 1893
- Nationality: Spanish
- Occupation: Poet, playwright, writer
- Notable Works: *Don Juan Tenorio*
- Affiliation: Royal Spanish Academy
- Education: University of Valladolid, Royal University of Toledo

José Zorrilla remains a pivotal figure in Spanish literature, remembered for his poetic genius and enduring contributions to the arts.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.rae.es/academico/jose-zorrilla)
4. Library of the World's Best Literature
5. [Source](http://books.google.es/books?id=7KJ7E76edC0C&pg=RA1-PA640&lpg=RA1-PA640)
6. [Source](http://www.elnortedecastilla.es/valladolid/201607/21/fosas-comunes-sombra-lideres-20160720183645.html)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](http://www.rae.es/academicos/jose-zorrilla)
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
14. Babelio
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. BnF authorities
17. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
18. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index17.html)
22. CONOR.SI
23. [Source](https://prezi.com/p/bkrjdieuzsw1/jose-zorrilla/)
24. Autoritats UB
25. LIBRIS. 2012