STUDY GUIDE SYNOPSIS

By Allison Chu

From the darkness of the woods, Judith emerges, singing of beauty and light. She meets Bluebeard, who has summoned her to his castle. She has come to live with him, leaving her family and home behind. Judith marvels at the castle’s darkness and gloom. Despite her fear, she proclaims her love for Bluebeard, hoping that her declaration will encourage him to allow light into his lair. As Bluebeard leads her deeper into the castle, she demands that the doors to seven rooms be opened to let in the sunshine. Bluebeard refuses, requesting that Judith love him without question. However, Judith is persistent, and eventually he relents.

At the first door, Judith discovers shackles, daggers, and weapons – instruments of a torture chamber. She notices that the walls are bloodstained but is not deterred from her desire to open all the doors. Bluebeard asks her if she is frightened, and she responds by requesting the keys to the other doors. The second reveals the armory, with piles of cruel arms and armor. As Judith opens the third door, she is delighted by the sight of gold and riches; it is the treasure chamber. The fourth door leads Judith to the garden, filled with flowers. However, her joy is interrupted when she realizes that the treasure and the flowers are stained with blood. The fifth door allows Bluebeard to show his kingdom to Judith. Bluebeard asks for Judith to embrace him, but she makes no move; there are two more doors still to open.