ENGLISH MEBY

資源循環、オペラ批評、ジェンダー:三位一体の考察」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of resource circulation, opera criticism, and gender studies, when examined closely, reveal intriguing points of convergence. Consider the opera, a historically male-dominated art form, as a microcosm of broader societal power dynamics. The libretti, often reflecting patriarchal narratives, reinforce traditional gender roles. The very staging, with its elaborate costumes and sets, often relies on the unsustainable consumption of resources. The production and disposal of these materials—from the silk costumes to the discarded sets—exemplify a linear, rather than circular, economic model. This contrasts sharply with contemporary ecological concerns advocating for a circular economy, emphasizing reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste. Feminist opera criticism, however, challenges these entrenched power structures and unsustainable practices. By analyzing the portrayal of female characters, the feminist lens exposes the often-subjugated roles assigned to women and questions the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes. Moreover, such criticism often extends to the production process itself. It critiques the environmental impact of opera productions and proposes more sustainable alternatives. For instance, promoting the use of recycled materials, employing environmentally conscious designers, and advocating for digital archiving to reduce physical material consumption. These initiatives reflect a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between artistic expression, gender equality, and environmental responsibility. The movement towards a more sustainable future requires a critical examination of existing systems, and opera, as a powerful medium of cultural expression, offers a unique lens through which to analyze and address these interconnected challenges. It is not merely a matter of recycling costumes; it is about challenging the very structures that perpetuate both environmental degradation and gender inequality.

1. What is the central argument of the passage?

2. According to the passage, what aspect of opera production exemplifies a linear economic model?

3. What is one of the proposed sustainable alternatives mentioned in the passage?

4. The passage suggests that examining opera through a feminist lens allows for a critique of: