The plot parodies the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. It was not only parody of the legend, it caricatures also the depiction of the society of that time. One of the favorite topics of the high society was the Greek mythology, so Offenbach hit the mark with that. During watching the premiere, a lot of people recognized themselves in the piece. Even the emperor Napoleon III wasn't spared; he could find himself in the figure of the amorous supreme god Jupiter. But in spite of everything, the emperor was thrilled by the opera and applauded loudly.