Gender Issues in Opera/Bartok & Bluebeard

Abstract: A 15 page research paper that examines the issues of gender in opera and specifically in regards to Bela Bartok's work Bluebeard's Castle. Bartok wrote but one opera, Duke Bluebeard's Castle, a short work based upon a grisly fairy tale. Psychologically and symbolically complex, the opera's narrative not only represents Bartok's conceptualization of gender, but also reflects the operatic heritage that preceded him. Examination of the concepts of gender that form the characterization of both Duke Bluebeard and his young bride Judith, shows that, in both cases, they reflect societal stereotypes and operatic tradition. However, close examination of these gendered conceptions also hints at a developing sensibilities and criticism of these paradigms. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

Filename: khbbcas.rtf

Pages: 15

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Catagory: Film & Television

Subcatagory: Music, Film, Television, Theater & Photography

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