Comparing Creon And The House Of Bernarda

Creon, the King of Thebes, and Bernarda, who is the head of her household are the most powerful characters in their plays. Both characters want to have complete control over everything and everyone around them; however both suffer losses as a result of their attitudes and use of power. The main difference between Creon and Bernarda is how they react to these losses and to the challenges to their authority. It is this aspect which the essay will explore.

The House of Bernarda has an interesting beginning because it tells us what other characters- namely Poncia and the servant- think of Bernarda. It gives us a very clear and true representation of the kind of person Bernarda is. We discover that she is the mother and leader of the household who is made out to be a complete tyrant-"If Bernarda doesn't see things shining here, she'll put out what little hair I still have left." From what the servants say it seems that even when her husband was alive she was in control of the family, "Her poor husband's earned himself a good rest!" Her position is firmly established as head of the family. Her power is shown by the fact that while both servants hate her they continue to do her bidding and remain fearful,"Damn her I'd like to stick a red-hot nail in her eyes! ...But I'm still a good bitch, I bark when I'm told."
They are clearly unsure of themselves; this is shown by the series of pauses that pervade their conversation. They wait for Bernarda to initiate the conversation and, when this fails, they make small talk that would be unable to offend her. Even when Angustias, a 39 year old woman, is struck by her mother with a stick she doesn't stand up for herself. Bernarda's stick is a symbol of her power, whenever she is exerting her authority she bangs her stick or, if she is punishing someone, she uses her stick to beat