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Four centuries of suicide in opera
Saxby A Pridmore1, Stephane Auchincloss2, Nerissa L Soh3
1University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia. garry.walter@sydney.edu.au.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Opera frequently depicts suicide as a response to distress. Historical trends in suicidal behavior in opera may reflect evolving societal attitudes toward suicide.
Area of Science:
- Musicology
- Cultural Studies
- Psychohistory
Background:
- Western opera has a long history of portraying dramatic human experiences.
- Suicide and suicidal ideation are recurring themes within operatic narratives.
Observation:
- An analysis of 337 operas from 1607-2006 revealed suicidal themes in 112 (33%).
- Completed suicide occurred in 74 operas (22%), with female characters more frequently depicted as suicidal (56%).
- Non-fatal suicidal acts or thoughts appeared in 48 operas (14%), with male characters more often involved (57%).
Findings:
- Suicidal behaviors in opera consistently followed undesirable events or situations.
- Cutting or stabbing was the most common method of completed suicide.
- Methods varied, including poisoning, drowning, and hanging, with mass suicide occurring twice.
Implications:
- Opera has historically presented suicide as a potential resolution to extreme distress.
- Fluctuations in operatic suicide portrayals may correlate with societal shifts in attitudes and conceptualizations of suicide.
- This study offers insights into the cultural representation of suicide over four centuries.
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