Meaning: The quote by Jean de La Bruyère, a 17th-century French philosopher and moralist, reflects his observation and critique of opera as an art form. La Bruyère was known for his keen insights into human nature and society, and his comment on opera can be interpreted as an assessment of its potential and shortcomings.

In the quote, La Bruyère describes opera as the "first draft of a fine spectacle" and suggests that it only hints at the idea of a grand and impressive performance. This statement can be seen as a reflection of the early development of opera as an art form during La Bruyère's time. Opera originated in Italy in the late 16th century and underwent significant evolution and experimentation in its early stages.

La Bruyère's characterization of opera as a "first draft" implies that he sees it as a work in progress, a form of entertainment that is still in the process of refinement and development. This may reflect his view that opera, while possessing potential, has not yet fully realized the grandeur and impact that it could achieve as a spectacle.

Furthermore, La Bruyère's use of the word "suggests" implies that opera, in its current state, falls short of fully embodying the concept of a "fine spectacle." This suggests that while opera may hint at the potential for grandeur and awe-inspiring performances, it has not yet fully achieved the level of excellence and magnificence that La Bruyère envisions.

One interpretation of this quote is that La Bruyère is critiquing the early manifestations of opera for their lack of refinement and sophistication. In his view, opera may have shown promise as a form of entertainment, but it had not yet reached the level of excellence that could truly captivate and inspire audiences.

It is important to note that La Bruyère's perspective on opera may have been influenced by the cultural and artistic context of his time. Opera was still a relatively new art form in the 17th century, and it was undergoing rapid development and experimentation. The early operas often combined music, drama, and spectacle in a way that was novel and innovative, but they may not have yet achieved the level of grandeur and polish that La Bruyère believed was possible.

In modern times, opera has evolved significantly, and it has become a highly refined and elaborate art form that encompasses a wide range of styles and productions. Today, opera is celebrated for its grand spectacles, powerful performances, and elaborate staging. However, La Bruyère's quote reminds us that all art forms evolve over time and that early iterations may only hint at the potential for greatness.

In conclusion, Jean de La Bruyère's quote about opera as the "first draft of a fine spectacle" offers insight into his perspective on the early development of this art form. It suggests that while opera may have shown promise as a form of entertainment, it had not yet fully realized its potential for grandeur and magnificence. This quote serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution of art forms and the potential for refinement and excellence over time.