In tragedy, fate is portrayed as an oppressive mistress, one who inexorably leads the characters to certain death and unhappiness regardless of free will and good intention. Fate, even in general terms is perceived by people as a set of prophecies or commandments of the universe that inevitably fulfill themselves often to the detriment of a person’s free will and desires. However, comedy presents a different, lighter view of fate as a kind mistress, one who does not force a given outcome on the characters. Rather, fate causes certain key events to happen by way of chance and serendipity and then the characters are allowed to devise plans and make decisions that decide exactly how the story ends.
The opening scene of The Barber of Seville emphasizes the role of fate, or more accurately, chance and good fortune. The character of Figaro is most influenced by fate. He describes how his hopes of being a writer in Madrid were crushed and his life has led him to Seville, where he now works as a barber. While this may appear to be bad luck or tragic fate, Figaro is not disheartened or broken up like a tragic character. Instead, he earns his living as a barber and continues to compose, which is what he is doing when the audience first sees him. In a stroke of pure luck, the Count and Figaro recognize each other. That The Count was Figaro’s former master, that Figaro was a barber with access to Bartolo’s house, that The Count should find himself in a position where he needs help from Figaro and most importantly, that they both should be at the same place at the same time all add up to serendipitous good fortune for the Count as he relies on Figaro’s help to court and eventually marry Rosine, a young noblewoman kept captive by her guardian, Bartholo.
However, as the story progresses, the characters exercise their free will and make plans to ensure a favorable outcome for themselves as opposed to characters in a tragedy who simply accept destiny. It is never completely certain that The Count and Figaro will be able to outwit Bartholo. In fact, Bartholo is a powerful man in the story, particularly advantaged because of his position as Rosine’s guardian, and the outcome may very well have turned out in his favor. However, the Count and Figaro make their plans without any fear of fate and eventually they achieve their goal. It is arguable that The Count and Rosine were destined to be married. However, the action in The Barber of Seville is spontaneous and not dictated by fate. The turn of events is, in certain places, assisted by fate but ultimately there is hope and freedom of will that contribute to the lightness of comedy.
