The Marriage of Figaro

    The character I have selected to talk about from Pierre Augustin de Beaumarchais's The Marriage of Figaro, is none other than the main character, Figaro. Figaro is a servant to Count Almaviva, who is set on his goal of marrying the countess' maid, Susanna. As he is preparing the room that the Count has given the couple, Susanna tells Figaro that the room is too close to the Count's suite. Figaro questions her and Susanna confesses that the Count had started to take a liking to her. This is where the problem and the plot begins as Figaro is filled with anger and plans to go after Count Almaviva. This would be difficult considering Figaro's class status compared to the Count. Figaro is a servant, and not just any servant but the Count's servant, while the Count is on a much higher class level and Figaro's master.  

Figaro and Susanna
Utah Opera

 
   I chose Figaro to talk about because of the similarities this play has to previous ones we have read. In a previous play we have read, called Hamlet by Shakespeare, the main character, similar to Figaro, is set on revenge. However, there are some differences that make the stories stand out from one another. The two characters are of opposite social classes and they seek revenge for different reasons. It is interesting to see how Figaro's plans play out, especially after reading what had happened when someone sought revenge in a different story. 

    In Act 5 of the play, Figaro has his soliloquy where he expresses his jealousy for the Count due to his wealth, position, and nobility. There is a lot of eavesdropping and hiding in this scene to reveal the characters feelings and reactions to what other characters say. Figaro comes out of his hiding and speaks to Susanna while feeling betrayed by her. He then learns of her and the countess' plan of pretending to be each other. The count finds out the truth and admits defeat. The play ends happily with humor with Susanna and Figaro together, and the Count and Countess together. 


    Here is a play of The Marriage of Figaro directed by Sir Thomas Allen. Enjoy!

    The term 'satire' is the use of humor to expose someone's stupidity or to mock aristocracy. The elements of satire are it is funny, critical of injustice, and optimistic for change. An example of satire in The Marriage of Figaro would be in Act 5 when the Count learns of Susanna's and the Countesses trick. The count felt ashamed and admitted to Figaro that he thought he was being clever but instead was like a child.




Works Cited

  • Cunningham, Lawrence, and John J. Reich. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Print.

The marriage of figaro – Susanna – a model of strong women in Mozart's operas. Utah Opera. (2018, November 12). Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://utahopera.org/explore/2016/04/the-marriage-of-figaro-susanna-a-model-of-strong-women-in-mozarts-operas/


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