Abstract:
This dissertation explores the characters in Carlisle Floyd’s musical drama
Susannah within a historical and musical perspective. 1950s culture affected Floyd’s
musical drama and this dissertation connects the cultural phenomena to musical
phenomena. Each character undergoes dynamic changes that are influenced by plot, text,
historical context, and musical devices. Floyd motivates his characters through the use of
stage directions, lyrics, musical aspects, religion, politics, and his own experiences. The
political and religious themes in Susannah manifest themselves in the plot, characters,
and musical drama. Religious zealotry combines with political themes, and is expressed
by way of musical features.
Each of the character’s scenes is examined from a cultural and musical
perspective. A detailed character description with motivations begins each analysis
chapter. Musical elements are studied chronologically through the plot. Carlisle Floyd’s
characters in Susannah are either motivated or negatively affected by fear. The
dissertation connects the element of fear to the political era in which the opera was
composed, as well as shows the musical portrayal of these elements. For example, Susannah is subjected to the perils of fear in a social setting and the music portrays this
fear by way of musical and textual elements. Although Mrs. McLean and the
townspeople crusade against Susannah, Floyd’s work exposes that the true villain of the
opera is fear and religious zealotry.
This 1950s adaptation of a biblical story contains themes of wrongful persecution,
fear, fanaticism, and political upheaval. Social ostracism and religious zealotry are
common themes in literature, art, and music. Carlisle Floyd successfully composed a
musical drama based on these common themes. He used many compositional devices to
convey how false accusations, fear, social hypocrisy, and doubt can destroy a society.
This dissertation examines how the characters in Susannah behave, interact, and react to
the stimuli within the plot and how the music contributes to their characterization and
actions.
