Critiques this 1944 opera, compared to Georges Bizet's 1875 "Carmen". Examines settings, time, characters, plot, themes (sexuality, race and romance) and music.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 9 sources, 1999, $ 95.95
Abstract "Carmen Jones (produced 1944) by Oscar Hammerstein II is a version of Georges Bizet's opera Carmen (produced 1875), one of the most widely-known and best-loved of all operas. In transforming Carmen by changing its time and place, rewriting the libretto in English, and replacing Bizet's characters with African Americans
From the Paper "Carmen Jones (produced 1944) by Oscar Hammerstein II is a version of Georges Bizet's opera Carmen (produced 1875), one of the most widely-known and best-loved of all operas. In transforming Carmen by changing its time and place, rewriting the libretto in English, and replacing Bizet's characters with African Americans Hammerstein was attempting to broaden the audience for opera in America. Although Hammerstein managed to create the popular success he wanted, many of his changes undermined the dramatic-musical synthesis on which the success of Bizet's opera rests. The principal flaw in Hammerstein's version is that while Bizet's, and the characters', exoticizing racism was essential to the dramatic and musical structure of Carmen, the later work eliminates this essential tension. Carmen Jones was left with the drama of romantic passion and an attempt to ..."
Abstract This paper provides a discussion and comparison of three different versions of "Carmen", including the original story as written by Prosper Merimee, the opera version by Georges Bizet and the film adaptation of Bizet's opera, directed by Francesco Rosi. The main focus is on settings, themes, images and characterization.
From the Paper "The Georges Bizet opera Carmen is part soap opera and part action adventure. The tale of the passionate and beautiful Gypsy Carmen and her obsessive and reckless lover Don Jose is set in Andalusia in the early ..."
Abstract In the novel, "Peel My Love Like an Onion" by Ana Castillo, the author addresses a number of issues related to immigration and the position of minorities in American life. In addition, she addresses issues of loss and separation from both people and other aspects of life. The paper shows that the love referred to in the title is both the love the protagonist has had for the two men in her life and also the love she once had for her chosen profession of Flamenco dancer, a love lost because of her polio and its crippling effects. The paper shows how she, in fact, becomes separated from everything she values in life, suggesting much about those in society who are cast aside for any reason and who then live desperate lives simply trying to survive.
From the Paper "There is a great difference between the working conditions Carmen experiences as a dancer and those she encounters in a series of smaller jobs she has to take later in order to survive, but there are similarities a well. There is a metaphor of servitude that runs through the novel, whether it be servitude to a demanding teacher like Agustin or to the system itself as she tries to survive in low-paid jobs in a society that places little value on people from Mexico, little value on women, and little value on those who have to do these low-paid and dead-end jobs that society may need but never really values."
Abstract The essay discusses the opera Carmen. The paper examines how musical instruments are used to reveal the emotion and intent of the characters in the play. The paper explains how more importantly, it is used to contrast between Don Jose and the Carmen to show the flirtatious way she uses the melody to seduce him. The paper shows how Bizet's choice of instrument reveals his desire to show how Carmen uses the melody as a mask for her true intentions.
From the Paper "The opera Carmen uses musical impressions to convey to the reader Carmen's desire to lure Don Jose into moral turpitude. Without viewing the opera, the sensual, alluring tones and lyrics of the songs allow the listener to understand Carmen's actions throughout the entire opera. This seduction by Carmen is probably most visible in Act 1 when she lures the honorable Don Jose in Habanera and Seguidilla into his temptation. Don Jose's seduction begins in Act 1 with Carmen's melodic Habanera. Part of the reason she is able to capture the attention of Don Jose and then lure him into temptation is because she uses few words."
