The House of Bernarda Alba: A Deep Dive into Lorca’s Masterpiece
Plot and Dramatic Action
Following the death of her second husband, Bernarda Alba imposes a period of mourning on her daughters, who have had limited contact with the outside world, especially men. When the eldest daughter, Angustias, inherits a fortune, she attracts a suitor, Pepe el Romano. Jealousy and passion erupt within the household, leading to a tragic end. Adela, the youngest daughter, refuses to submit to her mother’s will and engages in a secret relationship with Pepe. Discovered by her envious sister, Martirio, who alerts Bernarda, Adela hangs herself, believing Pepe has been killed by her mother. Before her death, she breaks Bernarda’s cane, symbolizing her rebellion.
Themes and Interpretations
Subtitled by Lorca as “a drama of women in the villages of Spain,” the play can be interpreted as a tragedy. Pepe el Romano acts as a catalyst for the repressed desires within Bernarda Alba’s household. He is ostensibly interested in Angustias for her wealth but is drawn to Adela, while Martirio secretly loves him. These dynamics fuel the conflicts and tensions within the oppressive atmosphere of the play.
Lorca explores profound and personal themes in this work. Some consider the central theme to be the conflict between authority and freedom, while others see it as the conflict between reality and desire. Another interpretation focuses on the rebellion against repression and tradition. These concerns recur throughout Lorca’s work.
Bernarda represents authoritarianism, repression, and conservatism, while her daughters embody a range of responses, from passive submission to open rebellion. However, Lorca presents a bleak outlook, as both submission and rebellion lead to frustration and, ultimately, death.
In addition to the central theme, the play touches upon various other topics, including traditional morality, social pressure, class differences, pride, prejudice, and the status of women in Spanish society at the time.
Character Analysis
As in other Lorca plays, the characters in The House of Bernarda Alba are both stereotypes representing human types and individuals with their own histories and emotions. Notably, the play features only female characters, highlighting the focus on women’s experiences.
Bernarda
Bernarda embodies repression and authoritarianism. She is tyrannical and despotic, her language reflecting her unyielding nature. She is the sole authority figure in her household, symbolized by the cane she carries. Her despotism is evident in her interactions with her daughters and servants. She also personifies social and moral conventions, emphasizing the importance of appearances and upholding a strict code of honor, decency, and virginity. Bernarda defends traditional gender roles and embodies class pride.
The Daughters
Bernarda’s daughters live in seclusion, yearning for freedom. They are preoccupied with love and marriage as a means of escaping their mother’s tyranny and fulfilling their repressed desires. Each daughter represents a different response to Bernarda’s authority:
- Angustias: The eldest daughter and a wealthy heiress, her sole desire is to escape the house and her mother’s control. Despite being 39, she still holds onto her passions and hopes.
- Magdalena and Amelia: These two daughters are more submissive, resigned to their mother’s authority.
- Martirio: Her mother thwarted her marriage, leaving her resentful and jealous of her younger sister, Adela, who attracts Pepe el Romano.
- Adela: The youngest daughter, Adela embodies rebellion and the fight for freedom. She refuses to submit to her mother’s tyranny. She is full of vitality and passion, symbolized by her green dress. In a significant moment, she breaks Bernarda’s cane, defying her authority and challenging established morality. However, her rebellion leads to a tragic fate.
Other Characters
- Poncia: The maid, Poncia is almost like family but is constantly reminded of her lower social status by Bernarda. Despite this, Bernarda values her opinions and advice. Poncia accepts her position but subtly expresses resentment through her words and conversations with the daughters. She is known for her wisdom and expressive language.
- Maria Josefa: Bernarda’s mother, Maria Josefa, mixes madness with truth. She expresses the daughters’ unspoken desires for freedom, love, and motherhood.
- Pepe el Romano: The catalyst for the passions and conflicts within the household, Pepe represents the male figure. He never appears on stage but is a constant presence, highlighting his dishonesty. He is primarily interested in Angustias’s wealth and does not hesitate to pursue Adela, while Martirio secretly loves him.
The House of Bernarda Alba remains a powerful and relevant exploration of themes such as repression, freedom, and the struggle against societal constraints.