Carmen

“”Carmen”” by Prosper Mérimée is a novella that tells the story of Don José, a naive soldier who is seduced by the fiery and beautiful gypsy, Carmen. Set in Spain, the story begins with Don José’s disciplined life being thrown into disarray when he meets Carmen, who is as manipulative as she is captivating. Carmen leads him away from his duties and into a life of crime to win her affections. However, Carmen’s love proves fickle; as she grows bored of Don José, she discards him for other lovers, which drives Don José into a jealous rage. The tale spirals towards a tragic conclusion as Don José’s obsession with Carmen leads him to murder her in a fit of passion. Mérimée’s novella explores themes of passion, freedom, and fatalism, presenting a bleak view of love and the destructive power it can wield. —- ISBN: 9798329456851