Sets+and+stage+directions

=SETS AND STAGE DIRECTIONS= Sets are confrontingly simplistic with minimal decore //'at centre, a table with an oil-lamp'// (p.155). These types of strict sets represent and enforces Bernarda's auster ways of holding authority. It also gives a sense of cleanliness; everything that Bernarda doesn't want people to see has been put away and scrubbed clean. This shows appearance versus reality as Bernarda does not want to seem like a person with an untidy life full of problems within her household, though this is the reality.
 * Sets**

Stage directions create an underlying tone within the play, this is especially noticable when tension is raised between Amelia and Martirio. The continuous **'pause'** (p.146) illustrates the importance of silences as this effectively slows down the pace while creating tension as we dont know whether Martirio is going to tell Amelia about Adela's affair with Pepe. The silences further create an awkward atmosphere between the sisters, and effectively creates a contrast to the later entry of Angustias with her accusations about the picture.
 * Stage directions- examples**

This underlying tone is further emphasised when Poncia is **'Looking at Adela'** (p.147) who then is '**looking at Martirio'** (p.147). There is a sense of blame and accusation caused by these stage directions as to who thinks who has stolen the picture. As Poncia is aware of Adela's affair her accusation is justified as to '**looking at Adela'** (p.147), yet to later find out that it was actually Martirio foreshadows potential conflict between the sisters, as it is obvious that Martirio has feelings for Pepe too.

The timing of entrances on stage is very important. A character enters usually when there is conflict between two characters. '(//Augustias enters//) **Always arguing**!' ( p 143).These entrances usually deflect and interrupts prolong the tension between the two characters in conflict. The entrances usually change the mood; while prolonging the tension as it slowly builds up.
 * Entrances**

The tolling of bells represents and foreshadows the doomed events in the future. The bells always start tolling when something happens within the house such as conflict and gossip.