Society and Solo Living: The 18th Century Opera Singer’s Dilemma

In the 18th century, societal norms and expectations were quite different from what many people today might find familiar. For young women in particular, the choice to live alone, let alone pursue a career in the performing arts, was met with significant challenges and often outright prohibitions. This article explores whether society would have granted permission for a young woman to live alone to pursue a career as an opera singer in a different city during this era.

Living Alone in the 18th Century

The 18th century was a time when societal roles were highly defined and rigid. For women, especially unmarried and young, living alone was often deemed unacceptable. The social structure of the time saw women in these circumstances as potentially scandalous or even immoral. This was particularly true for individuals aspiring to careers in the performing arts, a field that was considered both glamorous and somewhat dubious.

The Role of Opera Singers in Society

Opera singers of the 18th century were often seen as "bohemians," a term that conveyed a certain freedom and independence, but also a sense of unreliability. Stage artists, in general, were viewed as beyond the pale of mainstream society. While their art was celebrated, the performers themselves were often considered morally corrupt or loose in their behavior. The performing arts, including opera, were not regarded as respectable professions; they were seen more as a playground for individuals willing to flout societal norms.

Gentrification of the Stage

Diving deeper into the specifics of opera singers and their positions in society, it's crucial to understand that these individuals were not operating within the same framework as their contemporary professional counterparts in other fields like law, medicine, or academia. The concept of a "respectable profession" did not easily apply to those in the performing arts. Society’s attitudes towards stage artists were often driven by a mix of admiration for the skill required and a simultaneous suspicion of the loose morals of performers.

Lifestyle and Perceptions

One of the reasons why a young woman aspiring to be an opera singer might find it challenging to live alone was the perception that such a career required a certain level of freedom and independence, often associated with other bohemian lifestyles. While this freedom could be empowering, it could also be seen as a way of life that placed the individual beyond the bounds of morality. Furthermore, the traveling nature of opera companies meant that they were often seen in a gypsy lifestyle, which only reinforced the existing prejudices against them.

Reforming Attitudes

Despite the challenges, some individuals in the 18th century managed to navigate these societal expectations. Certain opera singers and actresses managed to gain public admiration and even social acceptance, often by blending into theatrical society or by aligning themselves with respectable patrons. However, these were the exceptions, not the rule.

Morality and Respectability

The societal attitudes around morality and respectability were deeply ingrained in the 18th century. While art and culture were highly prized, the artists themselves were often viewed with skepticism. This skepticism extended to the very notion of a young woman living alone, regardless of her career. The stigma associated with such behavior and the performing arts in general made it exceedingly difficult for young women to live alone and pursue a career in opera.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 18th century’s strict societal norms and the profound prejudices against performing arts made it almost impossible for a young woman to live alone and follow a career as an opera singer in a different city. The profession was seen as part of a lifestyle that defied accepted moral and social boundaries, and society was not ready to exempt those in the performing arts from its expectations. However, as the 18th century moved on, attitudes would begin to shift, leading to a gradual acceptance of emerging artistic careers as a legitimate and respected path.