The Dog in the Manger

Interesting Facts

• The play is one of Lope de Vega's most famous comedies and is written in the cloak-and-dagger genre.
• The title «The Dog in the Manger» comes from a Spanish proverb «The dog in the manger: neither eats nor lets others eat», reflecting the behavior of the main heroine.
• The main heroine, Diana, Countess de Belflor, experiences conflicting feelings for her secretary Teodoro, creating many comedic situations.
• The play explores themes of social inequality and love, showing how characters overcome class barriers.
• «The Dog in the Manger» has been adapted into various art forms, including opera and film, testifying to its longevity and popularity.