The House of Bernarda Alba: A Critical Analysis of Themes and Symbolism
Critical Analysis of The House of Bernarda Alba
Introduction
Theme
Thesis: This work joins the poetic dimension of language with real tragedy.
Argument:
Counterargument:
Conclusion:
Stylistic Commentary
The House of Bernarda Alba combines poetic language with tragic realism. Stage directions clearly indicate character entrances and exits.
Colloquial Language: The play uses colloquialisms, including double-meaning phrases, often spoken by Martirio. The daughters, including Bernarda, use informal language amongst themselves, but address their mother formally.
Poetic Language: The play utilizes metaphors and symbols, such as heat, to convey deeper meaning.
Language of Violence and Frustration: Interrogative and exclamatory sentences, imperative verbs, and infinitives contribute to the atmosphere of tension.
Summary:
Literary Analysis
Thematic Aspects of The House of Bernarda Alba
Central Theme: The clash between authoritarian morality and the desire for freedom. Bernarda represents authority, while her daughters, especially Maria Josefa, embody the yearning for freedom. Bernarda’s authority reflects a traditional worldview that enforces order and denies reality.
Authority vs. Freedom: This conflict is represented by the dichotomy of power and sexuality. Resolution requires the destruction of one side, culminating in Adela’s death, symbolizing the suppression of freedom.
Critical Interpretations: Some critics view the conflict as a representation of the struggle between the Old and New Testaments.
Primary and Secondary Themes
Women and Tragedy in The House of Bernarda Alba
The play exhibits elements of classical tragedy:
- Presence of catharsis
- Presence of a chorus
- Three-act structure
Tragedy of Womanhood: The daughters’ behavior is conditioned by their social status as women. Only Adela transgresses through acts of rebellion.
Frustration and Social Prejudice: Lorca depicts the frustration of a sterile life caused by social prejudices. Women occupy a central role, highlighting Lorca’s sensitivity to their plight in traditional society.
Pepe el Romano: He serves as the object of desire for the sisters.
Death and Marginalization: Death represents the tragic fate of forbidden love and those who defy societal norms. Lorca denounces the marginalization of women by presenting two contrasting models of female behavior: one based on loose morals, the other on decency.
Loneliness and Absence: The play explores the theme of women seeking men. Bernarda’s daughters unite in their pursuit of Pepe el Romano, their shared desire for love making him the focus of their aspirations.
Honor
Bernarda adheres to rigid social conventions that prioritize honor and reputation. She condemns any actions that might jeopardize her family’s social standing. This concern for honor extends beyond Bernarda to the entire community.
Sensual Love and the Pursuit of Man
The play centers on the lack of love in the women’s lives and their fear of spinsterhood. Bernarda’s control prevents them from forming relationships. Pepe el Romano’s arrival ignites passions and fuels the conflict between the sisters.
Hatred and Envy
Human relationships are dominated by hatred and envy, stemming from social inequality, lack of freedom, and the desire for happiness. Bernarda becomes a target of resentment due to her rigidity, class pride, and hypocrisy.
Social Differences
Lorca presents a class-conscious world with a rigid moral code. Alongside the central theme of tyranny versus freedom, the play explores traditional morality and social pressure. A clear social hierarchy exists, with Bernarda and Angustias at the top. Human relations are hierarchical, marked by cruelty and subservience.
Hypocrisy and False Appearances
The play examines the concern for appearances, hypocrisy, and the masking of reality. This preoccupation with appearances is symbolized by the obsession with cleanliness. Bernarda’s need to maintain a facade significantly impacts her daughters and servants.