With the help of a guide, Micaëla has come to rescue José and she seeks courage to confront Carmen. She
hides at the sound of gunfire, which proves to be José shooting at and missing an intruder, Escamillo who
has arrived to declare his infatuation with Carmen. The ensuing fight is broken-up by the returning smugglers. Escamillo invites them all to his bullfight in Seville, intimating that lovers will be welcome, which
causes the jealous José to threaten Carmen.
Micaëla’s presence is then discovered and she urges José to return to his mother, which he refuses to do
despite Carmen’s encouragement. Only upon discovering that the old lady is dying and wants to pardon him
does José leave with Micaëla to the strains of Escamillo’s voice in the distance.
ACT 4 - Outside the bullring
The crowd, including Zuniga and the gypsy girls, is cheering Esc