Gossip+and+creating+impressions

= = __GOSSIP AND CREATING IMPRESSIONS__  __ACT 1__ Gossip is a crucial element of this play - without a narrator, as the audience, we rely on it to inform us of the unobvious. However, unlike a narrator, the information comes from different sources, and its reliability depends on from who the gossip is coming and the reason for the gossip, because most of the time, gossip is influenced by emotion. In this first act, we are introduced to the gossiping nature of the community portrayed and its effects on the Alba family. Also, it is important to note that this play has an all-women cast. Gossip is a very common past-time attributed to women. Because of this environment, social expectations are incredibly important to fulfill, and in this act, we learn that Bernarda is very aware and concerned about this. Bernarda is conscious of the impression her family creates in society. On the other hand, we get an impression of Bernarda through the maid's gossip. Gossip also reinforces the totalitarian government represented by Bernarda herself as the relaying of information and gossip about others provides Bernarda with knowledge of everybody and everything, something that the totalitarian government was known for. This seemingly omniscient rule helped them to control the masses.

GOSSIP AMONGST MAIDS  ·  The maids gossip about the family they themselves are serving, claiming that ‘[Bernarda] tyrannises everyone around her!’ and that she has ‘five ugly daughters’ (p120)  ·  This shows that the servants feel no loyalty  ·  Ironic- the maids compare themselves to dogs when Poncia says, ‘but I’m a good dog’ (p120), however, dogs are supposed to be loyal creatures  ·  Bernada also resorts to getting her servants to spy on other people, as they spend ‘entire days peering through cracks to spy on the neighbours and bring her gossip’ (p120).  ·  Hypocritical- she does not want society to judge her family, yet she has no problem with spying on others  ·  The fact that ‘they like to watch it and talk about it’ (p128) shows that even the men gossip and spy and that it is socially acceptable  ·  Gossip also provides Poncia with power over Bernarda who wants to know gossip as she asks, ‘then what happened?’ (p128), and because Poncia is the only one who knows what is going on outside, she can manipulate and gain control over Bernarda GOSSIP AMONGST SISTERS ABOUT EACH OTHER  ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">When Poncia describes how she ‘saw [Angustias] peering through a crack in the front door' (p127) representing the freedom that the daughters are denied and yearn for <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Amelia tells Martirio that Enrique Humanas was after her, yet this isn’t true; and because of 'the things people make up!’ (p131) Martirio is disappointed after ‘he married someone else’ <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Women are also more subjected to being gossiped about than men are and the things people say hurt them, as they ‘rot away over what people say’ (p131) <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">GOSSIP FROM BERNADA · 'Pepe el Romano was with the men at the funeral' 'The one who was there was that widower from Darajali' (<span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">p.123) -Bernada. The women gossip about everything that happens, don't think anything of scrutinising every little detail. Society that discourages women from having any occupation. <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Referring to the funeral guests as 'poisoned tongues!' (p.125) shows how gossip in that society tends to be malicious in nature <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Bernarda uses the analogy that 'you always drink the water fearing that it's poisoned,' (p125) to represent how they must be careful of what they say and do because it could be gossiped about <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Public appearances are very important to Bernarda, as is portrayed when she is horrified by the fact that 'the neighbours can see [Maria Josefa] from their window' (p.127) <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">And thus refuses to release her mother for fear that her reputation and image will be tarnished as Maria Josefa’s mental instability means she is out of Bernarda’s control <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Bernarda's hypocritical nature is shown when she questions Poncia about the men’s gossip //'[with curiosity]'// (p.128) as she fears others gossiping about her, but is happy to gossip about others <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">SETTING <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> __ACT 2__ In this act, we learn of the different perceptions of characters through gossip, creating tension and dramatic irony. This is evident when the sisters argue about when Pepe el Romano really left Angustias' window the previous night. The consequences of Bernarda's oppression are reinforced through the constant occurrence of gossip, as it creates a hostile atmosphere, implying that there is limited freedom of speech.
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Besides physically keeping people in as well as preventing people from entering, the ‘thick walls' (p.119) symbolize the blocking out of gossip as well as keeping family affairs and secrets hidden inside

GOSSIP AMONGST SISTERS ABOUT EACH OTHER <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> GOSSIP AMONGST THE MAIDS <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> BERNADA AND HER VIEWS ON GOSSIP <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> __ACT 3__ In this act, the family has a guest over for dinner, and Angustias goes to bed early after mentioning Pepe is not in town. After the family goes to sleep, Poncia and the maid gossip about Adela and Pepe and how Bernada is blind to the whole situation. The play ends with Bernada focusing on the most important thing to her - other peoples' impressions, 'the youngest daughter of Bernada Alba has died a virgin!' instead of focusing on the fact that her own daughter is dead. The theme of gossip and creating impressions is especially important in this act for this reason. <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> > > GOSSIP AMONGST THE MAIDS > The maids are gossipping about the Alba family, which gives the audience an insight into their honest viewpoints, hidden when others are around. <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> GOSSIP AMONGST SISTERS ABOUT EACH OTHER <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> BERNADA AND HER VIEWS ON GOSSIP
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The sisters often talk about one another and scrutinize every little detail, as shown when they talk about Adela, claiming that ‘she seems restless, shaky, frightened - as if she had a lizard between her breasts!’ (p.137) and there seems to be no trust between the sisters
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Adela feels oppressed through her lack of privacy and tries to get the others to see that her life is her own as she demands that her sisters 'leave [her] alone! Asleep or awake, it's none of [their] business' (p.140). Unfortunately this is not the case, she realises people are just curious and like to talk about others rather than be concerned wtih their own lives as can be seen when she says 'Concern? Or curiosity?' (p.140) Adela is suspicious of Martirio's intentions
 * 'Sometimes she peeks into my room to see if I'm asleep. She won't let me breathe' (p.121) Adela feels as if she is oppressed by her sisters always looking in on what she's doing, spying on her.
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The women in the house talk harshly about others in society, judging others, even though the others may be talking about them in the same negative way as they talk about how 'the women down the street’ have sacrificed ‘their lives for little brats!' (p.143)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Even in the middle of the night nothing escapes being seen, 'Angustias was still at her window with Pepe,' people are always watching, there is very limited privacy, 'I heard him leave at 4' (p.138)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Old women such as Poncia who ‘can see right through walls,' (p.141) are well-experienced with seeing what people are up to, the normality of spying on other people within this Spanish society and how it is commonly accepted.
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Nobody can help but be suspicious of everyone around them, as is evident when Adela calls Poncia a ‘Spy!’ and a ‘Traitor!’ (p.142)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Relates to Fascism in a wider context- spies were everywhere, betrayal was common, and suspicion was high
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Adela attacks Poncia's social status, by saying that Poncia is ‘sticking [her] nose into the affairs of men and women like an old sow, so [she] can slobber over them' (p. 142) rather than doing what she should be doing, shows how Poncia takes pleasure in other people's affairs.
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Poncia is able to speak freely to Bernarda about her opinions about how ‘Pepe to be with Angustias seems wrong - to me, and to other people' (p.151) and the fact that 'other people,' in this case, the community, judge so harshly
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Always conscious about neighbours hearing them, believe that 'the neighbours must have their ears glued to the wall' (p. 147)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Adds to the hostile and oppressive environment in the play and the household
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Letting people in to the family circle would mean that their affairs, no matter how dirty they are, are shown to the public and as a result the family becomes vulnerable, and thus it is believe that ‘it is never wise to let an outsider into the family circle' (p.149).
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">No matter how hard a family tries to keep their affairs private there will always be ‘people in this town who can read hidden thoughts from a distance' (p.151), things will inevitably be exposed to the public in the end
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The harsh nature of society and how they will gossip in order to harm the family for their own enjoyment is depicted in the analogy that ‘sometimes other people stir up a wave of mud in order to destroy us’ (p.152)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Has gossip becomes second nature to all, no one is immune from it and no one can rise above it. Cleanliness is Bernarda's obsession. On a symbolic level, it relates to her preserving her family's reputation and keeping a clean image.
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Referring to the woman who has killed her child because of her shame that she didn't know who the father was, Bernarda claims that everybody should ‘come to kill her!' (p.154)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Society's unforgiving nature has made women result to this extremity and gossip of the child born out of wedlock spreads like wild-fire
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Foreshadows the end of the play when Adela takes her life for not being able to be with Pepe. Bernarda is more concerned about keeping the news within the house and claiming her daughter is a virgin to prevent any gossip
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Verbal irony- Bernarda meddles in her daughters' lives, yet claims that she doesn’t ‘want to pry into people's feelings, but [does] want to keep up appearances and have harmony in the family’ (p.158). Depicts how Bernada is more concerned about the family’s appearance and places the greatest importance on looking happy and unified, rather than on what is actually going on
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Impressions are different under the surface; people, especially Bernada, can't always see the true nature of everyone else and what happens, as shown when Poncia tells Bernarda that even though 'nothing is happening on the surface,’ ‘neither you nor anyone else can see into their hearts' (p.160)
 * 'They are wicked'
 * 'They are women without men, that's all' (p.162)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Adela already knows that the whole town will find out about her through gossip and is anticipating the persecution she will face as a consequence of having an affair with Pepe el Romano, 'with the whole town against me, branding me with their fiery fingers, persecuted by people who claim to be decent' (p.166). The word 'claim' suggests that she knows that people and society’s appearance is really as it seems, revealing that appearance is different from actual reality
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Bernarda seems to put her concern about people finding out about Adela's affair with Pepe el Romano before her emotional response to her daughter's death when the first thing she says is that 'the youngest daughter of Bernarda Alba has died a virgin. Did you hear me? Silence!' (p.169)
 * <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The play ends without any trace of sadness or mourning from Bernarda, let alone a realisation of the cause of her daughter's suicide, and remorse for her actions. This causes Bernarda to remain as an heartless and oppressive character from beginning to end in the eyes of the audience.