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Why does Violetta write a farewell letter to Alfredo?

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Violetta writes a farewell letter to Alfredo because she has been persuaded by his father, Giorgio Germont, to leave him forever.1

Although Violetta initially resists, Germont convinces her that her relationship with Alfredo is preventing his daughter from entering into a respectable marriage. He argues that because their union is not blessed by God, Alfredo will eventually grow bored with her as she ages. Moved by the need to act as a "consoling angel" for Germont's family, Violetta agrees to make the supreme sacrifice of giving up her only ray of hope. She writes the letter to end their relationship, choosing to leave Alfredo rather than allow his family's reputation to suffer.1