La Casa De Bernarda Alba

Act I

Reading Check

1. “[U]nrealistic landscapes, with nymphs or legendary kings” (Act I)

2. Magdalena (Act I)

3. A “bitch” (i.e., dog) (Act I)

4. “[A]nimals” (Act I)

5. “A needle and thread for women. A whip and mule for men.” (Act I)

6. Her mother (i.e., Maria Josefa) (Act I)

Short Answer

1. A beggar woman visits Bernarda’s house, hoping for scraps; however, the Servant turns her away and tells her, “Today’s scraps are for me!” (Act I)

2. Bernarda is strict with her daughters, giving them orders and cruelly reminding them of their societal expectations and duties. Her daughters are generally compliant, but they are bored and frustrated with their circumstances. (Act I)

3. Angustias overhears the men talking about the rape of a woman. Initially, Bernarda is furious that Angustias would allow herself to be “throwing the man a bait on the day of her father’s funeral”; however, she is also interested in hearing about the gossip related to the rape. (Act I)

4. Martirio tells Amelia the backstory of Adelaida, a woman who is a victim of a cycle of sexual assault in the family.