Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novella’s racist and inaccurate portrayal of Romani people and culture, which includes racist slurs. The novella also includes other instances of racism and exoticism, as well as depictions of domestic violence against women cumulating in murder.

The expression and depiction of passion is a key component of the Romantic movement, which arose against the idolization of reason that dominated the previous century. The primary narrative of Carmen is driven by passion; the main characters are motivated by their emotions, and the action of the plot is instigated by these passions.

The relationship between Don José and Carmen, the central focus of the novella, is an entanglement wholly governed by chaotic desire. From its inception through to its tragic conclusion, their entanglement is tempestuous and tumultuous; they clash, reconcile, and clash anew. Both Carmen and Don José know from the beginning that their relationship will lead to ruin, with Carmen predicting that she will lead Don José to be hanged. He nonetheless pursues her despite both their better judgement, and Carmen accepts him as a lover despite her contempt for him as someone who is not Romani and the trouble he causes her.