The Yes Girls: A Neoclassical Comedy
The Yes Girls
Introduction
The Yes Girls, a socially critical comedy considered Leandro Fernández de Moratín’s masterpiece, was written in 1801. Premiering in 1806 at the height of Moratín’s career, it enjoyed a successful run of twenty-six consecutive days. Though penned before the Napoleonic invasion of 1808 (which culminated in the Battle of Arapiles and Moratín’s subsequent exile), the play offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. It is believed to reflect Moratín’s relationship with Paquita Muñoz, as the protagonist is even named Francisca.
Themes
Beyond its biographical significance, The Yes Girls is a plea for women’s right to choose their own partners, challenging the prevailing practice of arranged marriages for familial convenience. This defense, however, is subtle. Neither Carlos nor Francisca openly rebels; instead, it is Don Diego who ultimately resolves the conflict, setting him apart from the passionate, rebellious heroes of classical theater.
Characters
Main Characters
- Don Diego: A wealthy, older man in love with Francisca. Francisca’s mother intends to force her into marrying him due to his wealth. He is Don Carlos’s uncle.
- Don Carlos: A young man deeply in love with Francisca. He met her en route to Zaragoza and fell in love, visiting her every night. They use a secret signal of three claps to communicate. He is a soldier and Don Diego’s nephew.
- Doña Francisca (Paquita): A young woman studying at a boarding school in Guadalajara. Her mother, Doña Irene, pressures her to marry Don Diego out of duty.
Secondary Characters
- Doña Irene: Francisca’s mother, who insists on her marriage to Don Diego.
- Simón: Don Diego’s loyal servant.
- Rita: Doña Irene’s maid and Francisca’s confidante.
- Calamocha: Don Carlos’s servant.
Plot Summary
The play unfolds at an inn in Alcalá de Henares. Doña Irene intends to marry her daughter, Francisca (Paquita), to the wealthy Don Diego. They travel to Guadalajara to retrieve Francisca from her boarding school. Don Diego, unaware of Doña Irene’s plans, is eager to meet Francisca. Meanwhile, Don Carlos, having learned of Francisca’s impending marriage, travels to Alcalá de Henares, where he discovers her at the inn. Through their secret signal, Don Carlos and Francisca communicate, inadvertently revealing their love to Don Diego and Simón. Don Diego, realizing Francisca’s true feelings, ultimately relinquishes her hand, allowing her to marry Don Carlos. Doña Irene, initially angered, eventually accepts her daughter’s choice.
Neoclassicism and the Play
The Yes Girls falls within the neoclassical period, which saw a movement towards theatrical reform. Neoclassical authors advocated for plausible stories, moral instruction, and adherence to the three unities: time, place, and action. While The Yes Girls maintains unity of action, it deviates from the unities of time and place.
- Unity of Place: The action occurs at an inn in Alcalá de Henares.
- Unity of Time: The events unfold over less than twenty-four hours.
- Unity of Action: The play focuses on the single storyline of the love between Don Carlos and Doña Francisca.
Social Commentary
The play critiques the societal norms of the time, particularly regarding women’s lack of autonomy and the emphasis on appearances over genuine emotion. It also touches upon the complexities of upbringing and education, where children are taught to suppress their true feelings and conform to social expectations.
Stylistic Devices
Moratín employs various stylistic devices, including:
- Comparisons: “We came as two sparks.”
- Etymology: “The animal all night praying for God.”
- Enumerations: “Between mother, daughter, boyfriend, and lover.”
- Hyperbole: “If lady has eaten more than an ostrich.”
Conclusion
The Yes Girls is a witty and entertaining play that offers a nuanced critique of social conventions. While humorous, it also prompts reflection on the constraints faced by women and the importance of genuine affection in matters of the heart.