The Barber of Seville Study Guide

It is nighttime in Seville, Spain. Count Almaviva, an attractive young aristocrat, paces the street as he waits for Rosine, the woman he loves, to appear at her window. He is disguised as a priest in a cloak and turned down hat, afraid he will be recognized by either the woman's over-protective guardian or one of his friends from the royal court. He is willing to run the risk, though, in the hope of winning Rosine's affection. He feels confused about his situation: on the one hand, he is leaving behind the various, easily obtained pleasures of the court, but he is also tired of the constant pursuit of those pleasures. He longs to be loved for who he is, rather than for his position or his money. Suddenly he hides, someone is coming. (read more)