Comedy and Puccini's Operas

Abstract

Comedy, shall I say, is the sparkle on the water, not the depths beneath: the gay surface, the glint of sunlight—any other pretty metaphor. But note, the waters must run deep underneath. In other words, comedy must be founded on truth and on an understanding of the real value of a character before it can pick out the high-lights. It is only when one thoroughly understands a person that one can afford to laugh at him.