House of Bernarda Alba: language

Language in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

Symbolic Language

Lorca employs symbolic language extensively, using concrete objects to represent abstract concepts.
For instance, the colour black, worn by Bernarda and her daughters during mourning, symbolises repression and the stifling environment within the house.
The green colour, associated with Adela, signifies not only life and fertility but her non-conformance and rebellion.

Imagery and Metaphor

Lorca’s language is rich with imagery and metaphor, particularly in relation to nature. The arid landscape outside Bernarda’s house mirrors the barrenness and sterility within.
Terms like ‘limb of the sea’ and ‘well of poisoned water’ utilise vivid imagery to emphasise the themes of suppression and unavoidable tragedy.
Metaphorical expressions, such as ‘walls without eyes’, evoke feelings of claustrophobia and surveillance that pervades the house.

Language and Class

The language used by characters is a crucial indicator of their social status or ‘class’. Bernarda’s speech is formal and authoritative, reflecting her upper-class status and dominance over her daughters.
By contrast, servants’ language is informal, colloquial and they are the only characters to engage in overt gossip, which underlines their social status.

Style and Tone

The conversation style within Bernarda’s home is primarily declarative and imperious, to maintain Bernarda’s power and authority. However, the language often takes a passionate, poetic tone when expressing suppressed desires or feelings.
The forceful, obsessed tone of Martirio, the pensive, hopeless tone of Amelia and the defiant, lively tone of Adela are significant character markers.

Use of Silence

Silence, as a profound aspect of language in Lorca plays, serves as an effective dramatic device.
It is utilised as an oppressive tool by Bernarda, a symbol of compliance by her daughters and symbol of rebellion by Adela, thus operating on multiple levels of characterisation and thematic development.

Remember, understanding the use and impact of language in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ is pivotal in analysing Lorca’s dramatic intention and how it supports the play’s themes and characterisation.