Introduction and Background of The Merry Widow

The Merry Widow is set in the Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris, where the ambassador, Baron Zeta, is concerned about the impending financial crisis faced by Pontevedria. The country's dire economic situation could worsen if the wealthy widow, Hanna Glawari, chooses to marry a Parisian and takes her fortune out of the country. The ambassador devises a plan to persuade her to marry a Pontevedrian instead and offers her dance at a ladies' choice event as an opportunity for suitors to make their bids. However, Hanna, who is secretly in love with Count Danilo, is hurt when he sells off the dance to the highest bidder instead of accepting it himself. Nevertheless, they do share a dance at the end of the act, hinting at their underlying connection.