This is the dramatic context as stated in the "Anthology of Italian Opera" , edited by Paolo Toscano:
From Il Barbiere di Siviglia"- Act I, Scene 5
"Old Dr. Bartolo plans to marry his beautiful young ward Rosina. She, however, is in love with a student named Lindoro, who is actually the young Count Almaviva, incognito. He has serenaded her, and they have exchanged letters. Now, having read Lindoro's latest missive, Rosina resolves to thwart Bartolo's plans and follow the dictates of her own heart."
Hope this helps clarify the song.
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