The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca

Introduction

• Spanish work of world literature by Federico García Lorca
• All-female cast
• Bernarda Alba, 60, recently widowed, family boss
• Maria Josefa, Bernarda's 80-year-old mother, has dementia and is confined
• Five daughters:
  • Angustias, 39, from Bernarda's first marriage, unattractive
  • Magdalena, 30, unmarried, waspish
  • Amelia, 27, unmarried, timid
  • Martirio, has a hunchback, unique
  • Adela, 20, rebellious, wears a beautiful headscarf
• Main housekeeper: La Poncia
• Neighbor: Prudencia
• Play completed shortly before Lorca's murder in 1936
• Setting: Around 1900 in a village similar to Lorca's own

Plot Summary

Act 1

• Scene at the funeral mass
  • Servant sweeps the house after mass
  • La Poncia returns from church
  • Angustias faints; discussion with servant
  • Bernarda returns with daughters and village women
  • Bernarda declares eight years of mourning
  • Angustias is hit by Bernarda for talking to a man
  • Bernarda's mother, Maria Josefa, wants freedom

Act 2

• Sewing for trousseau
  • Daughters sew under La Poncia's supervision
  • Mention of Angustias's late-night talks with Pepe el Romano
  • Adela protests by wearing a green dress
  • Angustias’s marriage to Pepe discussed
  • Picture of Pepe is stolen by Martirio
  • Family conflict over inheritance

Act 3

• Nighttime conversations
  • Neighbor Prudencia visits Bernarda
  • Discussion on daughters' behavior
  • Adela sneaks out to meet Pepe
  • Violence: A village girl is stoned

Climax and Conclusion

• Final Confrontation
  • Adela asserts Pepe’s love for her over Angustias
  • Bernarda attempts to shoot Pepe
  • Noise and confusion as Bernarda tries to maintain control
  • Adela hangs herself
  • Bernarda declares Adela died innocent and demands silence

Themes and Motifs

• Oppression and Rebellion

  • Bernarda’s strict control symbolizes oppressive authority
  • Adela’s actions represent rebellion against societal norms

• Family and Honor

  • Themes of family honor and reputation
  • Inheritance and societal expectations

• Individuality vs. Conformity

  • Daughters’ struggles with identity under Bernarda’s control

• Tragedy and Fate

  • The tragedy of Adela’s death as inevitable due to familial pressures

Historical Context

• Set in early 20th century Spain
• Reflects social and cultural norms of rural Spanish villages

Conclusion

• A powerful exploration of themes of repression, individuality, and tragedy
• Highlights Lorca’s insight into human emotions and societal pressures