House of Bernarda Alba: style

Symbolism and Realism in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

Symbolism

The play follows a symbolic style wherein objects, colours, and details are used to represent abstract or thematic ideas.
For instance, the recurring symbol of a horse - its continual attempted escape - symbolises the repressed desire of the daughters, mainly Adela.
Repetitive use of the colour white symbolises virginity, purity, and death, emphasises Bernarda’s obsession with propriety and social appearance.
Similarly, the use of black denotes the mourning status of the house and oppressive environment that permeates the domestic space.
The cane of Bernarda, which is a symbol of power and dominance, often creates a threatening atmosphere.

Realism

Despite the extensive use of symbolism, Lorca uses realistic presentation of the characters and their respective plights.
Verisimilitude, or the portrayal of truthful reality, is maintained through the mundane details of everyday life, such as domestic tasks or gossip.
Use of colloquial dialogues and realistic characterisation bolsters the authenticity of the presentation.
The play depicts real societal issues, such as oppression, womanhood, class struggle, and societal expectations, which makes the drama more grounded and believable.
The conflict and tension between the characters establishes Lorca’s knack for psychological realism.

Poetic Drama of ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

Poetic Language

Lorca utilised poetic language in the dialogue, making the language itself a prominent artistic feature of the play.
Passages like “They could tie her up, but there are stallions that will break through the water tanks or die of desperation.” and “The very slightest movement is like a well drawn-out note.” exhibit a strong poetic quality.
Use of metaphorical and symbolic language deepens the dramatic experience.

Poetic Themes and Imagery

Themes of death, desire, and repression are often presented through beautiful and haunting poetic imagery.
The lyrical pattern and sensuous description of the play add to its aesthetic pleasure.
The common rural Spanish culture and traditions, coupled with the deeply personal experiences of the characters, create a poetic drama marked by intense emotional resonance.

Always remember that the style of ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ is a blend of symbolism, realism, and poetic drama. This style aids the audience in understanding the hidden emotional depth and social criticism that Lorca beautifully portrays through this play.