Bernarda Alba & Pereira: A Comparative Study
Bernarda Alba: A House of Mourning
Synopsis
The play unfolds in Bernarda Alba’s house, shortly after her husband’s funeral. Bernarda imposes a strict eight-year mourning period on her five daughters: Angustias, Magdalena, Amelia, Martirio, and Adela. Angustias, the eldest, is betrothed to Pepe el Romano, but their courtship is conducted clandestinely, fueling tensions and rivalries among the sisters, particularly Adela and Martirio, who are both drawn to Pepe. The play culminates in tragedy when Bernarda, believing Pepe is escaping with Adela, shoots at him. Adela, thinking Pepe is dead, hangs herself. Bernarda, in her grief, insists on maintaining appearances and orders her daughters to silence their sorrow.
Characters
- Bernarda: The domineering matriarch, aged 60.
- Maria Josefa: Bernarda’s elderly mother, aged 80.
- Angustias: The eldest daughter, 39, engaged to Pepe.
- Magdalena: The second daughter, 30.
- Amelia: The third daughter, 27.
- Martirio: The fourth daughter, 24, secretly in love with Pepe.
- Adela: The youngest daughter, 20, also in love with Pepe.
- La Poncia: A maid, 60.
- Maid: La Poncia’s companion, 50.
- Prudencia: A woman of 50.
Pereira Maintains
Synopsis
Pereira, an aging journalist in Lisbon, is haunted by the death of his wife. He hires Monteiro Rossi, a young writer, as his assistant. Pereira is initially detached from the political turmoil of his time, focusing solely on cultural matters. However, his encounter with Monteiro Rossi and his girlfriend, Marta, who are involved in anti-Salazar activities, gradually awakens his political consciousness. Pereira begins to help Monteiro and Marta, first financially, and later by hiding a political fugitive. This involvement puts Pereira at odds with the authorities. When Monteiro is discovered and killed by the police, Pereira finally takes a stand. He writes an article exposing the truth, albeit in a veiled manner to avoid direct confrontation with the regime.
Characters
- Pereira: An aging journalist.
- Monteiro Rossi: Pereira’s young assistant.
- Marta: Monteiro Rossi’s girlfriend.
- Dr. Cardoso: A doctor Pereira consults.