Analysis of Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba: Tragedy and Rebellion

Federico García Lorca: Context and Legacy

The text under commentary belongs to an act of the play The House of Bernarda Alba, written by Federico García Lorca (FGL). The author belongs to the group of poets framed within the Generation of '27. This Spanish poet and dramatist is one of the most famous national writers of the 20th century. His murder at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (GC) made him a major victim of the Franco regime, and he remains a highly valued writer today.

Thematic Focus: Impossible Love and Conflict

The theme of impossible love is central to the dramatic action. The text is written in dramatic dialogue, focusing on the main characters: Adela (the youngest daughter of Bernarda Alba, BA) and Poncia (P.), the older maid.

Character Dynamics and Rebellion

Adela is the only one able to rebel and break the power of her mother. She is the secret lover of Pepe el Romano and, at the end of the play, decides to end her life tragically. Poncia is devoted to criticizing the actions of her mistress, Bernarda Alba, describing how Bernarda's rigid consciousness affects the household.

The fragment is basically a dialogue between the younger daughter and the maid, where the maid makes use of reason and experience in life, contrasting with the blind love felt by the young woman for the handsomest man of the village. This conflict is reflected in the intense dialogue.

Dramatic Structure and Importance

If we look at its contents, we can say that this is a complete work, not a fragment, which has a dramatic and tragic character, confirming its real title: The House of Bernarda Alba. This passage is of vital importance in the work because it reveals the core conflict. Adela, the main character of this fragment, reveals her defiance before the situation.

Unlike other works, there is no time warp, so the plot is kept in line with the argument. The role of Poncia is typical of a confidante, loaded with secrets and practical wisdom.

Socio-Historical Setting and Injustice

The setting, once analyzed, reflects the society at the beginning of the century. We observe:

• Huge class differences.
• Poverty typical of the era.
• The injustices to which women are subjected.

Lorca's Objectivism: The Author's Standpoint

Finally, we must outline the standpoint of the author, especially his objectivism. Lorca limits himself to writing what the characters themselves are saying, but at no time does he give his personal opinion, allowing the drama and social critique to speak for themselves.