La Casa de Bernarda Alba - Review Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering characters, plot points, symbols, and core themes from Federico García Lorca's play "La Casa de Bernarda Alba".

Federico García Lorca

The Spanish dramatist and poet who authored the play "La casa de Bernarda Alba".

Antonio María Benavides

Bernarda's deceased husband, whose burial marks the opening event that initiates the play's action.

Eight Years of Mourning (Ocho años de luto)

The strict period of mourning imposed by Bernarda on her daughters following her husband's death.

Angustias

Bernarda's eldest daughter who is entitled to inherit the most money and is betrothed to Pepe el Romano.

Pepe el Romano

The man engaged to Angustias who is secretly involved with Adela and desired by Martirio; he is frequently evoked but never physically appears on stage.

El bastón de Bernarda (Bernarda's Cane)

A major dramatic object symbolizing Bernarda's authority, tyranny, and control over her household.

La Poncia

The primary maid of the house who attempts to warn Bernarda in Act I about repression and heat, and urges her at the start of Act III to open her eyes.

"¡Nacer mujer es el mayor castigo!"

A phrase uttered by Bernarda acknowledging the deep oppression suffered by women in that society.

María Josefa

Bernarda's elderly mother, who is kept locked away and represents both madness and the voice of freedom.

The Green Dress (Color verde)

The colored dress worn by Adela early in the play that Bernarda reprimands her for wearing during mourning.

Martirio

Bernarda's daughter who is secretly in love with Pepe el Romano and steals his portrait in Act II.

Adela's Fan (El abanico de Adela)

A multicolored fan that Bernarda throws to the ground because its vibrant colors violate the rules of mourning.

El caballo semental (The Stallion)

A powerful animal in the household symbolizing Adela's intense sexual desire and longing for freedom.

La hija de la Librada

A young unmarried woman in the village whose tragedy unfolds when townspeople want to kill her for having had an illegitimate child.

Magdalena

The daughter whom Bernarda claimed would have had the most taste for men.

Breaking of the Cane (Ruptura del bastón)

Adela's definitive act of rebellion against her mother's tyranny that occurs at the end of Act III.

"Silencio" (Silence)

The final word demanded by Bernarda to end the play and govern her household after Adela's death.

Main Theme of "La Casa de Bernarda Alba"

The central thematic conflict of the work: the oppression of women and authoritarianism.

Adela's Death

The final tragedy of the youngest daughter, who hangs herself ("se ahorca") after believing Pepe has been killed.

Prudencia

A neighbor who visits the household in Act III and is gradually losing her eyesight ("se está quedando ciega").

Los muros gruesos (Thick Walls)

A structural symbol representing confinement ("confinamiento"), repression, and the maintenance of external family honor.

Color Blanco (White)

A color symbol used throughout the play to represent purity ("pureza").

Color Verde (Green)

A color symbol associated with Adela that signifies rebellion ("rebeldía").

Color Negro (Black)

A color symbol associated with mourning garments and signifying death ("muerte").

El Agua (Water)

A recurring natural element symbolizing freedom ("libertad") that carries strong sexual connotations.