Perceptions of Punishment: The Moral Educative Function of Opera

• In Event: Portrayals of Crime, Criminality and Punishment in Music

Abstract

Through the imposition of punishment, a society expresses its moral indignation regarding certain types of behavior by associating negative consequences with such behavior—the moral educative function of criminal law. Punishment also sends a message to the law abiding, reassuring and praising them for “doing right.” As art, not scientific study, opera communicates different perspectives on society’s imposition of punishment. Through words and music, opera presents different perceptions of the same event and different alternatives for responding to these events. Across temporal and geographic boundaries, heroes, as well as villains, have been subjected to incarceration, exile, and even death at the hands of social forces. Accordingly, opera provides the opportunity to consider the appropriateness of alternative punishments, as well as the justness of society’s imposition of a particular punishment. Analyzing examples of operas from different eras and cultures, which continue to be performed in major houses, this presentation explores the forms and rationales for punishment, messages communicated, and questions raised regarding society’s imposition of punishment in opera. The presentation is part of a body of research, the purpose of which is to contribute to our understanding of perceptions of crime, punishment, and justice communicated through the arts.

Author

• Barbara Ann Stolz, Georgetown University