The legend of Don Juan was invented by a Spanish monk in the 16th Century nominally in order to frighten young profligates into piety. In the original the sensuous, rakehell Don kills the father of Doña Ana, one of the girls he has violated. Later he invites the father's statue to sup with him. The statue comes, demands that Juan repent his many sins. Don Juan refuses, is snatched down into Hell.
Since Don Juan, however sinful, is most attractive character, many an author has used the legend. There are variants by Molière, Shadwell, Mozart, Mérimée Dumas père, Byron, Balzac, Shaw. Not...
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