10. She embodies social conformity and sorrow: Her scene with Bernarda reinforces the idea that upholding honour often leads to personal suffering. She warns su
What does Magdalena mean in relation to oppression?
Resignation
What does María Josefa stand for?
escape - reflects Adela's rebellion
How does Paca la Roseta foreshadow (presagiar) the fate of Adela?
acts on her desires—and is destroyed by the consequences in a judgmental, patriarchal society
What is Rosita known for?
2. She is known for being sexually liberated: o The villagers describe how men tied her up and took her into the countryside, suggesting she went willingly, and
What does Adela mean in relation to oppression?
rebellion and desire for freedom
What does María Josefa symbolise?
repressed desire and truth - her madness lets her say what others cannot
Who is Enrique Humanes?
He is a past love interest of Martirio
What does Criada express?
5. She expresses bitterness: In her first scene, she grumbles about Bernarda’s strictness and the injustice of the class system, especially during the funeral.
Describe who Criada is
She is of lower status than La Poncia: The Criada is another maid in the Alba household, with less power and more menial tasks.
What does Paca la Rosetta represent?
4. She represents female desire and freedom: o Despite the scorn, she is one of the few women who acts on her sexual freedom
What does she represent amongst the women?
The voice of experience
How old is Angustias?
39
What does Criada add to the play?
She provides background: The Criada gives insight into the late husband’s affairs and the strict hierarchy within the house
How old is Magdalena?
30
Why did Martirio not marry Enrique Humanes?
o It’s implied that Bernarda disapproved of the match due to class differences, so she put a stop to it.This reflects Bernarda’s obsession with status, honou
How old is Adela?
20
What does Martirio mean in relation to oppression?
bitter and vengeful
What does Enrique Humanes represent?
4. He symbolises lost love and repression: o Like many elements in the play, Enrique’s story shows how Bernarda’s control destroys her daughters’ chances at lov
What is the symbolism of the name Martirio?
martyrdom or suffering
What is the symbolism of the name Bernarda?
bear
How do the villagers treat Rosita la soltera?
2. She is mocked and judged: The townspeople criticize her for trying to attract men despite being single and aging — reflecting the cruelty and pressure placed
What effect did the loss of Enrique Humanes have on Martirio?
o The loss of Enrique has left Martirio resentful and emotionally wounded. It helps explain her jealousy toward Adela and her fixation on Pepe el Romano
What does Pepe have that the girls do not?
mobility and choice
What is the symbolism of the name Amelia?
weakness or passivity
What is the symbolism of the name Adela?
adelantar - to advance - her desire to move forward
How long has La Poncia worked for the family?
over 30 years
Who is Paca la Roseta?
1. She is a woman from the village - not seen in the play
What does Amelia mean in relation to oppression?
passive and fearful
What is the symbolism of the name Angustias?
anguish
What is the symbolism of the name Magdalena?
sorrow
Who is María Josefa?
Bernarda's mum
How old is Amelia?
27
What does Angustias' name mean in relation to oppression?
conformity and privilege
Who is Rosita la soltera?
village woman who never married. Her name is brought up during a conversation that reflects on society’s view of unmarried women.
What does she act like in the play?
a chorus-like figure - foreshadowing
What does Rosita la soltera symbolise?
3. She symbolises social shame: Her mention reinforces the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her marital status, and that not marrying leads to gossip and ri
What does Pepe el Romano stand for?
male dominance and freedom. h
How does Paca la Roseta challenge morality?
o Her story shows how society punishes women who defy expectations of modesty, while excusing male behaviour
How old is Martirio?
24
Name the daughters
Angustias, Magdalena, Amelia, Martirio, Adela
What does the atmosphere in the house breed?
jealousy, tension, psychological torment
Who is Prudencia?
9. She is Bernarda’s friend who visits in Act II: Prudencia is a middle-aged woman who speaks about her regret over her daughter’s situation and the importance
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