Crime, Culture Conflict, and Opera: Women as Victim and Offender

• In Event: Crime and Music

Abstract

The clash between the dominant cultural and social norms and those of other groups residing within a country is a recurrent operatic theme explored by composers and librettists over the centuries. Bizet’s Carmen is not a simple love story, but a tale of conflict between the strictures of the dominant French cultural mores and the bohemian culture, particularly with respect to women. Massenet’s Manon crosses the line of the social order, leading to her exile. The underlying point of departure of critical criminology is the unequal distribution of power or material resources within society. Unequal class, race/ethnic, and gender relations constitute the major sources of crime; hence, major structural and cultural changes within society are essential to reduce crime and promote social justice. Using the critical criminology framework, this presentation examines the theme of crime and culture conflict expressed in the librettos and music of selected operas. Specifically, it explores the definition of women as victims and offenders--women whose behavior challenges the cultural and social norms of the dominant society. The presentation is part of ongoing research, the purpose of which is to contribute to our understanding of perceptions of crime, punishment, and justice communicated through opera.

Author

• Barbara Ann Stolz, Georgetown University