This page was written by Kat Pressler on 5 Apr 2016.
Opera Comparison
Compared to the book, I found a lot of differences. The first was personal. When reading the book, I did not read it as serious and somber as the opera made it out to be. I read the dialogue as very mater-of-fact and understanding. Additionally, the plot lines differ. While Titurel is the one being carried in the coffin in the opera, he is very much still alive in the book. In fact, he instruct Fifiel how to see the grail saying, “As that eyes unbaptized may win them the power to behold the Grail! Such barriers are built aroundIt, his sight to the task shall fail” (line 434-436, pg 295). His death in the opera allows for more emotion from the other character which is something we do not get to see in the book.