House of Bernarda Alba: character motivation and interaction

Character Motivation in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

Bernarda Alba, the protagonist, is driven by a deep-seated desire to maintain control over her household and uphold her family’s reputation. Her strict adherence to societal norms is a defence mechanism against the societal judgment she fears.
Adela is the youngest daughter and the most rebellious character. Her motivation stems from a longing for freedom and love, which leads her to defy the conventions of her society and embark on a forbidden relationship with Pepe el Romano.
Angustias, the eldest daughter, is motivated by her desire to escape the repressive environment of her house through marriage. She views Pepe el Romano as her ticket to freedom and assertion.
Martirio, despite her love for Pepe, resigns herself to her circumstances and remains a pillar of support for her sisters, reflecting her inner strength and acceptance of fate.
Magdalena, Amelia, and La Poncia are largely compliant with Bernarda, driven by fear and societal constraints, respectively.
María Josefa (Bernarda’s mother) yearns for freedom and wishes to escape the repressive atmosphere of the household, a sentiment reflected in her irrational behaviour and outbursts.

The relationship between Bernarda and her daughters is a central theme, marked by tension, repression, and rivalry, demonstrating a power dynamic heavily skewed towards Bernarda.
Adela and Pepe’s relationship showcases a significant challenge to Bernarda’s authority and societal norms, becoming a catalyst for the unfolding tragedy.
The interactions between the sisters, particularly Angustias, Martirio, and Adela, reveal varying degrees of bitterness, jealousy, and rivalry, mirroring the societal standards they are subjected to.
The dynamic between Bernarda and La Poncia offers a stark difference in social standing. Despite her lower status, La Poncia is the only character who directly confronts Bernarda and often serves as her sounding board.
María Josefa’s sporadic interactions with her family symbolise the perils of extreme repression and serve as a foreshadow of Adela’s tragic fate.