Character Analysis and Symbolism in Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 in Religion

The House of Bernarda Alba: Character Analysis and Symbolism

Federico García Lorca

Bernarda (60): The tyrannical, hypocritical, and despotic matriarch. Her repetitive, prescriptive language and reliance on physical punishment underscore her authoritarian nature.
Angustias (39): Bernarda’s eldest daughter, betrothed to Pepe el Romano for his wealth. Indifferent to love, her sole desire is to escape her mother’s control.
Magdalena (30) and Amelia (27): The most submissive daughters, resigned to their mother’s authority.
Martirio (24): A complex character filled with resentment and jealousy towards Adela, fueled by her mother’s interference in her own marriage prospects and Adela’s attraction to Pepe el Romano.
Adela (20): The youngest and most rebellious daughter, unwilling to submit to her mother’s tyranny. Her defiance leads to a tragic fate.
La Poncia (60): The maid, whose popular speech and wisdom offer a contrasting perspective to the family’s dynamics.
María Josefa (80): Bernarda’s mother, whose seemingly mad pronouncements reveal truths about the family’s desires for freedom and love.
Pepe el Romano (25): Although unseen, Pepe’s presence fuels the passions and conflicts within the household.

Water: Represents sexual desire and the sisters’ thirst for freedom. Stagnant wells contrast with the boundless sea.
Black and White: Black symbolizes death, mourning, and religious fanaticism, while white represents life, liberty, and sexuality.
Green: Represents rebellion (Adela’s green dress) and foreshadows death.
Heat: Heightens dramatic tension and reflects the oppressive atmosphere.
The Stallion: A symbol of Pepe el Romano and untamed male sexuality.
The Cane: Represents Bernarda’s tyrannical power. Adela’s breaking of the cane signifies her defiance.
Character Names: Symbolically reflect the characters’ traits and destinies.
White Walls: Represent the overshadowing presence of societal expectations and tradition.