The Marriage of Figaro

Historical Context and Significance

«The Marriage of Figaro» by Pierre Beaumarchais is one of the most significant plays in 18th-century French literature. Written in 1778 and first performed in 1784, it became a symbol of pre-revolutionary sentiment in France. The play criticized the aristocracy and social injustices, making it popular among the general populace and causing discontent among the authorities. The influence of «The Marriage of Figaro» on culture is immense: it inspired Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to create the opera «The Marriage of Figaro», which became one of the most famous operas in the world. The play also influenced the development of the comedy genre and theater as a whole, becoming a classic example of sharp social satire.