Historical and Social Context

Question 1

How was Andalucia characterised at the beginning of the 20th century?

Answer 1

Characterised by illiteracy (analfabetismo) and the concentration of land between landowners (terratenientes)

Question 2

What obsession and fear did people have?

Answer 2

Obsession with privacy and fear of being exposed

Question 3

What government was in power in Spain in 1936?

Answer 3

La Segunda Republica Espanola (1931-1939)

Question 4

How does the Segunda Republica Espanola represent behaviours in the play?

Answer 4

During this time, there was an emphasis on tradition which led to political and domestic violence

This violence is exemplified in the brutal repression that Bernarda imposes on her daughters and mother

It is also exemplified in society, with the daughter of La Librada murdering her illegitimate child, and the dislike of “easy” women

Question 5

What specific place in Andalusia did Lorca base the play on?

Answer 5

Valderrubio, the village he lived in as a child

Question 6

How was social class (estamento) determined?

Answer 6

By blood (sangre) and last name (apellido)

Question 7

Why is Angustias more sought after (codiciada) by suitors?

Answer 7

Due to her being the only daughter from Bernarda’s first marriage, she inherited more money from her father

Question 8

What were social classes like in 20th century Andalusia?

Answer 8

Static, did not mix and followed strict rules of interaction

Question 9

How do we know that Bernarda’s first husband was of a high status?

Answer 9

The whole town went to his funeral, demonstrating his popularity and value in society

Question 10

Why does the fact that Angustias is richer than the other daughters cause tension?

Answer 10

Because it triggers envy and distrust amongst the other sisters; Angustias’ wealth is the only reason why suitors want to marry her

Question 11

How were women in 20th century Andalusia expected to be?

Answer 11

“angel de hogar” = angel of the home, focus on domestic household chores such as sewing

“dulce esposa” = sweet wife, obedient and submissive to their husband

“madre solicita” = solicitous mother, showing attentive care and protectiveness

Followed strict rules of decorum (decoro)

Matriarchy was commonplace in the home

Question 12

Why does Bernarda have to maintain a serious image and an honourable household?

Answer 12

Because she is a widow who has been married twice; could be seen as an “easy” or weak woman by society

Question 13

What time period was sewing passed down as a tradition from?

Answer 13

Moorish (moro) times

Question 14

What would happen to women if they broke strict gender roles?

Answer 14

They would become a subject of gossip (el que diran)

Question 15

Which character represents how women are looked down upon for being sexually liberated/promiscuous?

Answer 15

the daughter of La Librada; she had a baby out of wedlock (un niño fuera del matrimonio) which she murdered due to shame and embarrassment

Question 16

How did men/suitors court women in 20th century Andalusia?

Answer 16

They would go to the reja (window with bars) and flirt with the women through the bars at certain times, usually in the evening

This tradition comes from Moorish/Muslim influence

Question 17

What is the tradition for suitors when proposing to a woman?

Answer 17

As a proposal (pedido de mano), the suitor gives the woman a diamond ring and the woman presents a trousseau (ajuar)

Question 18

Why was it essential for people to keep up appearances when it came to suitors and potential marriage?

Answer 18

Because the potential couple would be observed by people of the town who would approve if the match was suitable or not

Question 19

What were some of the ways that men would declare their love for a woman at the reja?

Answer 19

Give her a rose through the bars, sing her a love song

Question 20

What type of ring does Pepe gift Angustias?

Answer 20

A pearl ring, which subverts from traditional diamond ring

Question 21

Why is Angustias’ pearl ring a bad omen?

Answer 21

Because pearls are believed to represent tears and crying, which is a bad sign of marriage

Question 22

What traditions are observed in Spain when someone dies?

Answer 22

The body of the deceased is veiled for a short amount of time before being buried

Mourners then follow a Catholic ritual, chanting letanias (short, one-phrase prayers) and pray using rosary beads

The neighbourhood goes to the house of the widow to attend the wake and express their condolences

Everyone dresses completely in black clothing (vestir de luto)

People cry loudly; in rich towns people even paid “lloronas” to cry

Question 23

How does Lorca dramatize the period of mourning?

Answer 23

He extends it to 8 years for dramatic effect

Question 24

What is it called in Spanish when someone “breaks the mourning”? e.g. when Adela hands Bernarda a colourful fan instead of a black one

Answer 24

rompe el luto

Question 25

What religions have taken precedence in Andalusia over the years?

Answer 25

Christianity, Islam and Judaism

Question 26

Which buildings in Andalusia represent the different religious influences of the area?

Answer 26

La Mezquita y La Sinagoga in Cordoba

La Catedral in Seville

Question 27

What was the main religion in 20th century Andalusia?

Answer 27

Catholicism