The House Of Bernarda Alba Analysis English Literature Essay

Bernarda and Torvald are victims of a status based society; the pressure to conform to standards of society brings upon unwanted consequences into the lives of both families. “­­­Nora, you know my principles on these points. No debts! No borrowing!” (Ibsen__) Set in late 19th century Norway, A Doll’s House, explores the male dominated European society of the time. Torvald falls victim to the strains brought on by a patriarchal society, striving to become a well respected member of society while providing for Nora and serving as manager at the bank. Torvald’s obsession with his status ultimately leads to the disintegration of his and Nora’s relationship. As Torvald is informed of Nora’s deception, he doesn’t act as Nora had envisioned he would; instead of forgiving her, he worries about the effects of Nora’s law-breaking on his job, leading to Nora’s realization that she was a doll in a “dolls house” Bernarda also falls victim to the precedent standards of early 20th century Spanish society. Bernarda, like Torvald, strives to become a well respected member of society, often at the expense of her daughters’ happiness “Why didn’t you let her marry Enrique Humanas … My blood won’t mingle with the Humanas’ while I live!” (Lorca 191). Bernarda’s obsessive manner to conform to the standards set by society strains her relationship with her daughters, leading to Adela’s untimely death.

Abusive actions taken by Bernarda towards her servant Poncia and by Torvald against his employee Krogstad illustrate the harsh nature of both characters. “I hear he is good at his work … he calls me by my Christian name, tactless enough to do it even when others are present” (Ibsen_) Torvald displays his abusive demeanor towards Krogstad when he tells Nora about his decision to fire him based not on quality of work, but rather the air of familiarity Krogstad exhibits towards him. Torvald’s seemingly petty reason for firing Krogstad reinforces Ibsen’s depiction of Torvald as an abuser. “Tyrant over everyone around her. She’s perfectly capable of sitting on your heart and watching you die …” (Lorca 158). Much like Torvald domineers over Krogstad, Bernarda acts as a tyrant in the life of her servant Poncia. Despite Poncia’s subservience and loyalty, Bernarda’s abusive nature and harsh demeanor have inflicted misery into her life. “Clean everything up good, If Bernarda doesn’t find things shining; she’ll pull out the few hairs I have left” (Lorca 158) Bernarda’s desire to be the “most cleanest” and “most decentest” have caused her to inflict further abuse on Poncia and her other servants. Fueled by their vast power, actions taken by both Torvald and Bernarda toward those subservient reinforces Ibsen’s and Lorca’s depictions of them as abusive and authoritarian characters.