Wagner and Suicide

<p> Composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883) likely suffered from a manic-depressive disorder but in his time very little was known about mental illness, and suicide was not a topic for general discussion. Wagner was often plagued by extreme mood swings; he used his operas, especially the librettos, to express himself and his personal difficulties.</p><p> This investigation of the suicidal themes in Wagner's life and operas--<I>Die Fliegender Hollander, Tannhauser, Lohengrin,