The aria "La vendetta" from Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro" is sung by the character Bartolo. In the song, Bartolo expresses his desire for revenge and plans to use cunning and cleverness to achieve it. He feels that it is a pleasure for wise people to forget past offenses and humiliations, and that it is cowardly to seek revenge through deceit and manipulation. He also expresses his confidence that he will succeed in his plan for revenge. In the following scene, Marcellina and Susanna discuss their plans, with Marcellina expressing her hope for the future despite the challenges they face. They also briefly discuss Figaro, with Marcellina suggesting that he is a clever and resourceful person. The aria and subsequent scene capture the themes of cunning, revenge, and hope that are central to the plot of "The Marriage of Figaro." The characters use their wits and cleverness to navigate the challenges they face, ultimately finding hope for the future despite the obstacles that stand in their way.
