Abstract This paper analyzes the play, "Marriage of Figaro," written by Pierre de Beaumarchais. It compares Beaumarchais' play to the play "Travels in France" by Arthur Young. The paper places Beaumarchais' work within the historical context of noble life in the late 18th century. It then compares Young's account of the French city and country life to Beaumarchais' characterization of the nobility and the countryside.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
I. Beaumarchais: The Nobility and the Countryside
II. Young: Travels in France and the City and Country Life Described
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The play entitled: "Marriage of Figaro" was written by Pierre de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) a French playwright. This play is in the time period setting of the 18th Century, specifically the Count Almaviva's castle in Seville. The work of Arthur Young: "Travels in France" also gives a glimpse into the 18th century politics and social aspects and interactions between the nobility and the poor. In each of the works the self-absorbed nature of the nobility are described as well as the conditions of those unfortunate enough to be poor."
From the Paper "Beaumarchais' play Figaro's Marriage was very controversial, and was banned by Louis XVI for three years, because it looked at class differences in a new, perhaps revolutionary way. The plot involves an aristocrat, Count Almaviva, who is tricked by his valet, Figaro, who is shown to be a better man than his master in almost every way. The play questioned the value of noble birth, praised self-determination, raised questions about sexuality and desire, and generally looked at the social order in a new and liberal fashion. In an even more interesting way, however, the play also seems to open up the world to women who, once the opportunity is presented, turn from being relatively passive, and limited to their own private spaces, to the active pursuit of their own interests in public."
Abstract This paper looks at how in terms of entertainment, Paris had much to offer during the 18th century. It examines the most popular entertainments of the middle and upper classes, of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy at the time.
Outline:
Public and Private Balls
Opera and Ballet
Theatre
From the Paper "Many women would occupy their mornings with reading (if they would read - illiteracy among higher class women was much higher in France than in England at the time), drawing or music. The preferred instrument among French ladies was the harpsichord. It was considered very elegant and was an ornamented piece of furniture that could occupy a room on its own with only some chairs around for the audience. Some harpsichords were masterpieces of craftsmanship and bore elaborate drawings and carved birds, flowers, lake scenes, etc. J.B. Huet was a very talented painter who painted on harpsichords during the middle of the 18th century. The music women used to play was by Francois Couperin - his first collection Suites was published in 1713. They would also play Bach and Haendel. Mozart and Vivaldi were very much appreciated. "
