Donitzetti's Operas: "Don Pasquale"

Don Pasquale Plot Synopsis and Plot Summary

Ernesto is in love with a beautiful young widow name Norina, but Don Pasquale disapproves of Norina, whom he has never met, and has attempted to steer him toward more suitable choices over the years. Don Pasquale tells Ernesto that he has decided that he will marry and have children, thus producing heirs of his own. He informs Ernesto that he will be disinherited and that he must find a new place to live.

Don Pasquale's friend and doctor, Malatesta, has been unable to sway Don Pasquale from this plan to marry. Malatesta cooks up a plan: He offers to set Don Pasquale up with his fictitious sister, a girl, he says, who has lived in a convent and has the most obliging and sweet personality. Don Pasquale agrees that this would be an ideal choice.

Ernesto, meanwhile, has sent Norina a sad letter. Rather than involve her in his poverty, he will give her up so she can seek greener pastures. Dr. Malatesta explains his plan to her, though. In order to give Don Pasquale a taste of his own meddling medicine, Norina agrees to disguise herself as the fictional bride, Sofronia.

Ernesto is absolutely depressed. He has lost his home, his inheritance, his love and his friend, Dr. Malatesta, whom he thinks has betrayed him by setting up Don Pasquale's marriage.

The meeting between Don Pasquale and the doctor's sister is arranged. Norina emerges heavily veiled, and Don Pasquale, enamored with the girl's apparent demureness, falls for her immediately. Upon seeing her face, Don Pasquale is smitten and consents to marry on the spot. He and Norina (as Sofronia) are on the verge of signing the marriage contract in front of a notary, who is in fact the doctor's cousin, when Ernesto bursts in. Dr. Malatesta and Norina are afraid that he will reveal their trick, and the doctor takes Ernesto aside right away to let him in on the plan.

After the "marriage," Norina turns on the act. She proceeds to take Don Pasquale to task, acting like a beastly woman with a terrible temper and a bad habit of overspending, to the point where Don Pasquale wishes to tear his hair out.

Finally, Malatesta and Norina reveal the charade, and Don Pasquale is enormously relieved that there is no marriage. In his relief, he denounces marriage and reaffirms that Ernesto will inherit his fortune.

Resources