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Exploring The House of Bernarda Alba

Apr 7, 2025

Lecture Notes: The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico GarcĂ­a Lorca

Introduction

  • The play is part of a series focusing on Spanish works of world literature.
  • The House of Bernarda Alba was written by Federico GarcĂ­a Lorca.
  • All-female cast.

Characters

  • Bernarda Alba: 60 years old, the family matriarch.
  • Maria Josefa: Bernarda's mother, 80 years old, suffers from dementia.
  • Daughters:
    • Angustias: 39 years old, daughter of Bernarda's first husband, described as unattractive.
    • Magdalena: 30 years old, unmarried, described as waspish.
    • Amelia: 27 years old, unmarried, meek.
    • Martirio: Has a hunchback, individualistic.
    • Adela: 20 years old, rebellious.
  • La Poncia: Main housekeeper.
  • Prudencia: Neighbor.

Context

  • Written shortly before GarcĂ­a Lorca's murder in 1936.
  • The play is set around 1900 in a small village similar to Lorca's family home.
  • The events are based on nearly true occurrences.

Plot Summary

Act 1

  • The funeral mass for Bernarda's second husband is underway.
  • Bernarda declares an 8-year mourning period, locking her family away.
  • The relationship tensions among the sisters begin to surface.
  • Angustias is set to marry Pepe el Romano, causing jealousy.

Act 2

  • Sisters are sewing for their trousseau under La Poncia's direction.
  • Tensions rise as Pepe continues to visit, with suspicions about his late-night chats with Angustias.
  • Adela, in defiance, dresses up in a new dress to express her rebellion.
  • Martirio steals Angustias' picture of Pepe, causing conflict.

Act 3

  • External conflict with the village as a girl is stoned for bearing a child out of wedlock.
  • Adela's actions hint at her possibly being pregnant.
  • Internal family conflict escalates between Adela and Martirio over Pepe.
  • A shot is fired, Pepe flees, and Adela hangs herself.

Themes

  • Oppression and Rebellion: Bernarda's strict control leads to rebellion, especially in Adela.
  • Family and Tradition: The pressure of tradition affects each daughter's fate.
  • Jealousy and Desire: Romantic tensions cause strife among sisters.

Conclusion

  • Bernarda Alba attempts to maintain her family's honor by declaring Adela's death as innocent.
  • Finality in silence demanded by Bernarda.

This play explores themes of power, repression, and the impact of societal norms on individual desires, all within a tragic family setting.

Full transcript