Bernarda Alba: Authoritarianism vs. Freedom in Lorca's Play

The House of Bernarda Alba: Authoritarianism vs. Freedom

The House of Bernarda Alba presents the conflict between an authoritarian, rigid, and conventional morality (represented by Bernarda) and the desire for freedom (embodied by Maria Josefa and Adela). This conflict manifests in a series of irreconcilable oppositions:

• Bernarda's stifling repression versus the explicit rebellion of her mother and daughters (best exemplified by Adela).
• The clash between traditional morality, concern for appearances, and the daughters' desire for liberation.
• The mismatch between the family's social reality and their desires, which leads them to frustration and rebellion.
• The rigid separation between the inside of the house, hot and oppressive, and the outside world, representing freedom and life.

Bernarda's Reign of Control

Bernarda's life is dominated by authority, fear, and false appearances. She enforces the rules, judging and condemning those who disobey. Her presence is always accompanied by her command baton. Her authoritarianism is evident from her first appearance: her home's order cannot be altered, and obedience, orderliness, cleanliness, and silence are paramount. Her house is hers and nobody else's.

The Daughters' Responses

In contrast, her daughters Angustias, Magdalena, Amelia, and Martirio accept the standards imposed by their mother with resignation. The maids fear and obey her, even while criticizing her behind her back.

Adela's Defiance

Adela displays a clear attitude of rebellion, disobeying her mother's capricious authority on many occasions. This is a stark contrast to the submissive and resigned attitudes of her sisters. Adela's rebellion is fueled by her love for Pepe.

Climax and Tragedy

The climax of her confrontation with her mother occurs when she grabs the stick and breaks it in half. At the end of Act II, she comes out in defense of the daughter of La Librada. When Bernarda demands that all the olive groves punish her, Adela shouts to let her escape. Her suicide marks the loss of all hope of freedom for her sisters, who are condemned to live shut up and endure an even more bitter and enduring grief.

Maria Josefa's Resistance

Bernarda's mother also defends her freedom to think, dream, and act. Thanks to her perceived madness, she is able to break free from the shackles imposed by her daughter (who has locked her in a room). Like Adela, her desire to love and be loved leads her to confront her daughter.

Major and Minor Themes in The House of Bernarda Alba

The House of Bernarda Alba truly delves into human relations and social conflicts that develop inside the house, exploring the passionate feelings that drive the drama.

The Core Conflict

The central theme is the clash between an authoritarian morality and the desire for freedom. Bernarda embodies a life dominated by appearances, social conventions, and a traditional morality rooted in authoritarianism. This authoritarianism is a constant presence. In the face of this attitude, several different positions emerge.