After the court and spectators are seated, the Bailiff presents the case, the plaintiff (Marceline) and the defendant (Figaro). Bartholo reads the letter signed by Figaro. In it, Figaro promises to pay back money leant to him by Marceline and marry her. Figaro protests that the document says or marry her. The judges can't make out whether the word is "and" or "or,," and Bartholo concedes that it's "or.." The judges agree that the debt must be paid, or Figaro and Marceline must marry. Just as Figaro is rejoicing, the Count announces that Figaro must pay the money back that day or marry Marceline. As the spectators leave, Antonio goes out to tell Suzanne what he says is good news.
Figaro tells the Count that as a gentleman he can't be married.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 627 words. This
study guide contains 29,082 words (approx. 97 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Marriage of Figaro Access Pass.
