Meaning: The quote "No good opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible" by W. H. Auden is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of opera and its divergence from everyday reality. W. H. Auden, a renowned English poet, is known for his insightful and often paradoxical observations on human behavior and the arts. This particular quote captures the essence of the operatic experience and challenges the notion of sensibility in the context of musical expression.

Operas are dramatic works in which singers portray characters through a combination of music, acting, and often elaborate staging. The plots of many operas are characterized by heightened emotions, intense conflicts, and larger-than-life scenarios. Auden's assertion that "no good opera plot can be sensible" suggests that the very nature of opera defies conventional notions of rationality and reason. Instead, opera thrives on the portrayal of profound emotions and larger-than-life conflicts that are not necessarily reflective of everyday sensibility.

The quote also highlights the unique role of music in opera. Auden implies that people do not sing when they are feeling sensible, suggesting that singing is a form of expression that transcends the boundaries of ordinary emotion. In opera, characters often express their deepest desires, fears, and passions through arias and duets, using music as a vehicle for conveying the intensity of their feelings. The act of singing in opera serves as a means of amplifying and magnifying emotions, allowing characters to convey their innermost thoughts and struggles in a larger-than-life manner.

Furthermore, Auden's statement can be interpreted as a reflection on the power of art to transcend the constraints of everyday life. Opera, as a form of artistic expression, has the ability to transport audiences into a heightened reality where emotions are magnified and conflicts are larger than life. In this sense, the quote emphasizes the transformative and cathartic nature of opera, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the full spectrum of human emotion in a way that is not bound by the limitations of everyday sensibility.

In the context of storytelling, the quote challenges the traditional expectations of narrative sensibility. While sensible plots often adhere to the conventions of realism and logic, opera embraces a different set of principles, prioritizing emotional truth and dramatic impact over strict rationality. The quote invites us to reconsider our expectations of storytelling and recognize the power of opera to convey profound truths about the human experience through its emotionally charged narratives.

In conclusion, W. H. Auden's quote "No good opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible" offers a compelling perspective on the nature of opera and its departure from everyday sensibility. By highlighting the emotional intensity and larger-than-life conflicts inherent in opera, Auden prompts us to appreciate the unique power of this art form to transcend the boundaries of rationality and convey profound truths about the human experience through music and storytelling.