The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the opera "The Marriage of Figaro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Specifically it will discuss how the plot of the opera could be updated to modern times. The "Marriage of Figaro" is a "sequel" opera to Rossini's very famous "Barber of Seville" opera. The Count Almaviva and Countess Rosina are the main characters, and Figaro (who is the Count's valet), and his bride-to-be Susanna are the other couple in the affair. The Count wants to have an affair with Susanna, and the Countess finds out, and conspires with Susanna and Figaro to humiliate the Count. To top it off, another character, Cheribino, is interested in the Countess, which the Count does not like at all.
             The plot of this comic opera all revolves around love triangles and misplaced affections. It is not realistic in that the various sub-plots and situations are not based on reality, nor are many of the character's solutions. (Such as, the Count has abolished the archaic practice of "droit de seigneur," which is the right of the lord to sleep with a maiden on her wedding night, but now wants to reinstate it so he can enjoy Susanna.) Many of the situations are comic or silly like this, and the characters are a bit silly at some times, as well. This is supposed to be a comic opera, so that makes sense. It is not supposed to emulate real life, rather it is supposed to entertain, and it is so absurd that it is entertaining. Characters hiding behind chairs and in closets is not realistic either, and yet, it works in this play, which is sarcastic and funny at the same time.
             The plot of the opera could certainly undergo updating to make it more applicable to modern times. Instead of the Count and Countess, the two main characters could be a world leader and his wife, who is known for his buffoonery and poor decision-making. He could attempt to have an affair with the daughter of one of his cabinet members, a...