Historical Context and Plot Analysis of Fuenteovejuna
Historical Sources of the Play Fuenteovejuna
The rebellion of the people against the Commander of the Order of Calatrava in Fuenteovejuna became famous, leading to the popular phrase: "Fuenteovejuna did it."
Another primary source is the Chronicle of the Three Orders and Knights of Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcántara.
The Dual Plot Structure in the Comedy
The plot of Fuenteovejuna has a historical character; the events occurred during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs in the second half of the 15th century.
The first action is located in Fuenteovejuna and depicts the troubles the people suffer. Those responsible for developing this first action are the people of Fuenteovejuna, the Commander, and his men.
The second action refers to events revolving around the assault and capture of Ciudad Real and the Order of Calatrava. This action involves the Catholic Monarchs and their supporters, the people of Ciudad Real, and the Order of Calatrava with the Master at the front.
In both actions, the Commander and the Catholic Monarchs are involved, and the monarchs ultimately provide a solution. These two actions are related to one another in several ways:
- Using common characters: The Commander and the Kings.
- Through references that characters in one action make regarding the other action.
- Thematic similarity: Both develop similar themes to the point where they eventually join.
- The final merger between the two plots.
Examples of the Greatest Dramatic Moments
The main action begins with a climatic event through a dialogue between Laurencia and Pascuala, explaining how the Commander intends to take Laurencia without giving anything in return.
The tension reaches its peak at the end of Act I when Frondoso saves Laurencia from the clutches of the Commander. At the end of the second act, the Commander captures the newlyweds (Frondoso and Laurencia) and batters Esteban.
The Death of the Commander
This sequence starts when the Commander has Frondoso handcuffed at the house of the parcel. Suddenly, a great noise is heard, warning that the people are outside. They kick in the door shouting: "Long live Fuenteovejuna! Long live King Ferdinand!"
Facing Fernán Gómez and his men, the people show great superiority. The Commander tries to counter by offering to pay for his mistakes and claiming to be their master, but they reply that their only masters are the Kings. The village of Fuenteovejuna was determined to end him. Flores and Ortuño were wounded, and the Commander was killed. By whom? By Fuenteovejuna.
Laurencia's Feelings for Frondoso
After the Commander's death and the judge's investigation into who was responsible, Frondoso and Laurencia speak. Frondoso wants to know who Laurencia said killed the Commander, and she replies, "Fuenteovejuna." He insists until Frondoso asks: "And I, what killed you?" In a sign of deep affection and love, Laurencia says he killed her by making her love him so much.