L A TR AV IATA ACT 1 Violetta, under the protection of Douphol, is entertaining guests, among them Alfredo Germont, who has been in love with her for some time. Although unwell, Violetta revels in a hectic social life. Her guests go off to dance and she is seized by a coughing fit. Alfredo finds her and professes his love. She gently discourages his affection and gives him a camellia flower. She tells him to return when it has faded. After the party has broken up, Violetta wonders if Alfredo is her true love. She shrugs off this sentimentality. Abandoning herself to life's hollow pleasures is her only option. ACT II Scene one A country house, three months later Violetta and Alfredo are now living together. He learns from the maid Annina that Violetta is selling her possessions to pay their debts and leaves for town to raise some money. Violetta receives an unexpected visitor: Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont. He explains that his daughter’s marriage into a respectable family is at risk because of Violetta’s untidy past. His message is simple: she must leave Alfredo. The idea is impossible; it will kill her. Finally she agrees and sits down to write a farewell letter. Alfredo interrupts her and she rushes away. Alfredo is devastated to read her curt note. Germont attempts to console his son. Alfredo assumes that Violetta has deserted him to return to her old ways.
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