The House of Bernarda Alba: Themes & Character Analysis
1. The Characters in The House of Bernarda Alba
Visible Characters
These characters appear on stage and drive the plot. They can be further divided into primary characters (Bernarda, her daughters, Maria Josefa, and Poncia) and secondary characters (Maid, Beggar, Prudence).
Invisible Characters
These characters do not appear on stage but influence the action. Examples include Pepe el Romano, La hija de libros (the daughter of books), and the reapers.
Referred-to Characters
These characters are mentioned in passing, often with a specific detail or story attached to them. Examples include Antonio Maria Benavides, Enrique Humanes, and Paca la Roseta.
Bernarda
Bernarda is the oppressive force in the play, clinging to outdated traditions. She wields a cane and exhibits masculine behaviors, symbolizing her authority. She imposes strict rules on her daughters, emphasizing “honor” and “decency,” obsessing over virginity and appearances. Bernarda believes her family belongs to a higher social class and forbids her daughters from marrying men from the village. She seeks to control every aspect of their lives, enforcing her authority and power.
Angustias
Angustias is the eldest daughter and heir to a fortune, making her a desirable match for men, including Pepe el Romano. However, it is Adela who truly captures Pepe’s heart. Angustias appears to be unhappy and lacks passion for marriage, but sees it as her only escape from her mother’s oppressive rule.
Magdalena
Magdalena, at 30 years old, does not have a significant role in the play. She mostly displays submission and acceptance of her situation, occasionally lamenting the limited role women had in her time.
Amelia
Amelia, 27, is shy and resigned. Like Magdalena, she has a minor role and primarily exhibits a reserved demeanor.
Martirio
Martirio, 24, is described as ugly, sick, and hunchbacked. She is self-conscious and aggressive, often displaying a bitter and quick temper. Her desire for Pepe el Romano’s love fuels the tension and conflict with Adela.
Adela
Adela, 20, embodies rebellion. She is the youngest and most beautiful daughter, determined to pursue her love for Pepe el Romano. Her defiance is symbolized by her choice to wear a green dress, contrasting with the black attire imposed by her mother. Adela breaks Bernarda’s cane, representing her fight against her mother’s authority. Her tragic suicide highlights the devastating consequences of her rebellion.
Maria Josefa
Maria Josefa is Bernarda’s mother and the grandmother of the five daughters. She is portrayed as eccentric and seemingly mad, but her words often reveal the struggles faced by her granddaughters, including their imprisonment and frustration. Her madness allows her to express her desire for freedom and challenge Bernarda’s tyranny.
Poncia
Poncia is a significant character who serves as a voice of reason and experience. She offers insights into the family’s past and the conflicts unfolding in the play. Her wisdom and understanding contrast with Bernarda’s rigid worldview.
2. Key Themes in The House of Bernarda Alba
Central Theme: Authoritarianism vs. Freedom
The play’s central theme revolves around the clash between Bernarda’s authoritarianism and the desire for freedom, primarily embodied by Maria Josefa and Adela. Bernarda’s oppressive rule dictates the lives of the women in her household. Her daughters yearn for freedom and love, but are stifled by their mother’s strict rules. Adela’s rebellion and Maria Josefa’s madness represent different forms of resistance against Bernarda’s control.
Sub-Themes
a) Sensual Love and the Search for a Husband
Bernarda’s tyranny and the imposed mourning period deprive her daughters of love and companionship. The unmarried women long for marriage as a means of escaping their mother’s control and finding happiness.
b) Hypocrisy and False Appearances
The play explores the theme of hypocrisy and the importance of appearances in society. Bernarda is obsessed with maintaining a respectable facade and fears gossip. This concern for appearances dictates the behavior of many characters.
c) Hatred and Envy
Human relationships in the play are often marked by hatred and envy. Bernarda is a detested figure, and her daughters experience envy and resentment towards one another, particularly regarding Pepe el Romano’s affections.
Lorca’s Critique of Spanish Society
d) Traditional Morality vs. Progressive Values
Lorca challenges traditional moral values that restrict individual freedom and happiness. He contrasts this with a more progressive perspective that embraces tolerance, joy, sincerity, love, and compassion.
e) Social Injustice
The play exposes the social injustices and class divisions of Lorca’s time. Bernarda’s pride and cruelty highlight the power dynamics and inequalities within society.
f) Marginalization of Women
Lorca depicts the marginalized position of women in Spanish society. Their lives are governed by restrictive social norms that prioritize men’s interests. Women are expected to repress their desires and conform to societal expectations, particularly in the realm of love and marriage.