House of Bernarda Alba- Revision

Knowledge for the introduction:

When did Lorca write House of Bernarda Alba?

It was written in 1936 and was the last play he wrote before his murder

When was it performed?

It was performed March 1945- Avenida Theatre, Buenos Aires

What was the political situation at the time?

The spanish civil war broke out in 1936- the Francoists defeated the Republicans

There is a dictatorship let by Franco followed by the end of this war, spain was devastated

Who was Federico Garcia Lorca?

He was a spanish poet and playwright who with a young career of 19 years, resurrected and refreshed the most basic strains of Spanish Poetry

He is known primarily for his Anudalusian works and poetry

What was Lorca’s upbringing like?

Lorca grew up in Rural Andalusia, the beliefs being very traditional and religious, influencing his work lifelong

The play:

Where is the play set?

The play is set in Bernarda’s house in a village in Spain.

Context of the narrative in HOBA

After suffering the loss of her husband, Bernada imposes an eight-year period of mourning on her daughters, in which she insists they isolate themselves from the outside world and men in particular.

Who are the key characters?

-Bernarda Alba

-Adela

-Martirio

-Amelia

-Magdalena

-Angustias

Who is Bernarda Alba?

A sixty year old widow who is a dominant mother. Bernarda insists that her family obeys her traditional, old fashioned expectations and rules. She is both aggressive and threatening in order to control her daughters. As a wealthy woman, she is well aware of the class distinctions in the village and exerts superiority over her staff and neighbours.  

Who is Adela?

Bernarda's youngest daughter, at just 20 years old, Adela is the only daughter who openly flouts Bernarda's rules. For example, she wears a green dress after her father's funeral; a symbol of jealousy and her individuality. She has an affair with Pepe and is led to believe he has been shot. Unfortunately this has tragic consequences for her. 

Who is Martirio?

Martirio is 24 years old. She suffers with depression and has a physical disability described as a hunchback. She steals a photo of Pepe from Angustias and is jealous of her sisters. This is probably because she was once engaged but this was called off by her mother who did not approve of the man.  

Who is Amelia?

Amelia is 27 years old. She obeys her Mother’s instructions and is frightened of her. She is keen to gossip about others though, a trait she shares with her mother. 

Who is Magdalena?

At 30 years old, Magdalena is the second-eldest daughter. She is very upset at the death of her father. She is realistic and aware of the restrictions on their lives. She understands how repressed they are and therefore hates both herself and how trapped she is.  

Who is Angustias?

The eldest of the five daughters, Angustias is thirty-nine years old. She defies her mother by wearing makeup. This causes an aggressive scene with her mother, which is interrupted by her senile grandmother. She is miserable and unattractive, however, she gets engaged to Pepe el Romano between Act two and Act three. She is very wealthy as she inherited a lot of money from her father (Bernarda’s first husband) and stepfather. The eight year mourning period does not apply to her, hence why she is keen to marry Pepe. 

What are the key themes in Bernarda Alba?

Tradition

Repression and rebellion

Class

Sex and love