Opera has experienced a comparable transformation (albeit over a longer period of time).  In its early stages, opera was composed of pastoral stories that were intended to unite the community and promote well-being.  Some argue that people became bored of this and the operatic pendulum began to swing in favor of first, mysticism and then more realistic storylines as pressing social concerns like illness, famine, and recession ignited Europe.  As a result, composers like Verdi,  Puccini and Mascagni wrote operas that centered on these themes and resonated with the people.

Singing Rodolfo in La Boheme exemplifies this development in opera for me.  The moment I hold Mimi in bed as she lays there limp forces me to consider the reality of death, in my own life.  Although I cannot specifically relate that terrifying moment Puccini has crafted, it is undeniable that the scene creates a visceral reaction for me as well as for the audience.  The theme and emotions it evokes are relatable and realistic.  Similarly, when watching 24 or Homeland, the majority of the viewers have not directly experienced what the characters are portraying, but can undeniably relate to the feeling of tragedy relayed by them – which is what makes these types of shows so entertaining.  Jack Bauer and Agent Brody are far from perfect characters who have to forge on after heartbreak and extreme misfortune.  This is the exact lesson I take from Puccini’s characters: the human experience of trying to live the best we can in the face of tragedy.