Research Article

The Analysis of the Queen of the Night

Xinyi ZhangSan Francisco State University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Mozart’s Die Zauberflote stands as one of his masterpieces, characterized by a significant Freemasonic influence. Within the opera, the Queen of the Night’s aria serves as a defining moment for the soprano singer. Portrayed as the mother of the heroine Pamina, she undergoes a transformation in her personality, transitioning from a loving mother to an evil one. This paper will delve into the elements of Freemasonry that shape her character, such as the inclusion of Egyptian motifs, the conflict between fatherhood and motherhood, and the rituals of the Freemasons. Furthermore, it will conduct a psychological analysis of her motives using the theory of archetypal women. The archetype of the Great Mother has been expressed through various symbols throughout history, predating humanity’s understanding, manifesting in forms such as fairy tale fairies, witches, and stepmothers. Die Zauberflote, as a fairy tale, also includes these elements. This paper uses the Great Mother God theory to explore the reasons and rationality of her transformation and how music describes her psychological movement.

Keywords: Die Zauberflote; Queen of the Night; the great mother
Published: December 7, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/22/20231701
Volume: CHR Vol.22
pp. 170-176
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