The House of Bernarda Alba: A Tragedy of Repression and Rebellion
General Argument
The House of Bernarda Alba is a tragedy that tells the story of five sisters who are forced by their mother to observe a long mourning period after the death of their father. The sisters’ nonconformity with this excessive penance is expressed through complaints that reveal their frustration at being denied contact with men at an age when they feel it is appropriate. This confinement leads to conflicts that culminate in a tragic ending with the death of one of the sisters.
Characters
The main characters in the play are:
Bernarda
A 60-year-old woman who has been married at least twice. From her first marriage, she had a daughter named Angustias. From her second marriage, she had four daughters: Amelia, Adela, Martirio, and Magdalena. Bernarda is a domineering and strict woman who imposes her authority on her daughters after the death of her second husband. She is easily influenced by gossip and has a cold and cruel demeanor.
Angustias
Bernarda’s daughter from her first marriage. She is 39 years old, the eldest and the wealthiest of the sisters. She is set to inherit her father’s fortune. Despite her wealth, she is not particularly attractive and has a morbid personality. She is chosen by Pepe el Romano to marry her for her money.
Martirio
Bernarda’s daughter, aged 24. She is sickly and harbors a deep-seated resentment towards her sisters. This resentment stems from her inability to fulfill her own dreams of love. She is jealous and selfish and will stop at nothing to win Pepe el Romano’s affections, even if it means using underhanded tactics.
Adela
Bernarda’s youngest daughter, aged 20. She is rebellious and defiant, and she will not tolerate anyone who tries to control her. Like Martirio, she does not always think through her actions, but she keeps them hidden. Her passion and irrationality ultimately lead to her suicide.
Poncia
Bernarda’s maid. She has a love-hate relationship with Bernarda, expressing both gratitude and resentment towards her. She is Bernarda’s trusted servant, but their relationship is often strained by conflicts.
María Josefa
Bernarda’s mother. She is 80 years old and is kept locked away by Bernarda to hide her madness from the public. She provides comic relief in the play by breaking the tension with her humorous remarks.
Magdalena
Bernarda’s daughter, aged 30. She has a strong personality and has accepted that she will not marry. She is Adela’s strongest supporter and admires her youthful spirit.
Amelia
Bernarda’s third daughter, aged 27. She is a quiet and unassuming character who goes unnoticed in the play, much like Magdalena.
The Woman
Another of Bernarda’s servants. She has a dual personality, being friendly and grateful to her employers in their presence but gossiping about them behind their backs.
Prudencia
Bernarda’s neighbor. She visits Bernarda and provides information that sheds light on the events of the play.
The play also features a number of minor characters, including the mourners who attend Bernarda’s husband’s funeral. Pepe el Romano, a key figure in the plot, is never seen on stage.