Because one can’t defend opera without defending all of its porous plots:

Right off the bat, let’s start in defence of the stupid public. In what I imagine are the thoughts of the average first-time operagoer: Why doesn’t Lucia just say no when her brother tries to force her into an arranged marriage? Why doesn’t Violetta just ignore her boyfriend’s dad to when he tries to break them up, waving around Bibles and guilt? Why doesn’t Butterfly realize that she simply got knocked up by an American tourist with no plans for paternal responsibilities?

No wonder we experience such a catharsis when we hear their stories; they always boil down to something simple and human.

Now, in defence of opera. Like any form of drama, the same recipe works: we meet a hero or heroine, and they’ve got some flaw, or some lover, or they’re trapped somewhere, or whatever. They have enemies, mentors, and funny friends. Characters like Lucia, Violetta or Butterfly all have in common a drive to be with the people they love. No wonder we experience such a catharsis when we hear their stories; they always boil down to something simple and human. Who doesn’t know what it’s like to sacrifice for family? Who doesn’t know what low self-esteem can do to a person? Who can’t understand love’s ability to blind you?