Journal #5 Examine how Lorca characterize the archetypes of the play. Does Lorca embrace or reject the archetype? What is the effect of the characterization?
I noticed how female characters and male characters contrast. At the start of Act II, the mother in law is singing a lullaby to the child. This shows the universal role as a homemaker. In her song or poem, she foreshadows the future. This also shows she is wise. Leonardo, however, is portrayed as a man who doesn't give too much time to his family. He lies to his wife about traveling to the wasteland. But in the case of the Brides and the Bridegroom, the gender traits are flipped. The bride is rude and unfaithful. The bridegroom although a lot more caring than Leonardo, still is portrayed harsher than the other females (besides the bride). Lorca rejects the norm that females are patient, faithful, and kind in the Bride's character.
Another symbol is money. Leonard's mother, the mother in law, states "Two wealthy families are going to be joined" (24). This shows how wealthy people are talked about and have a higher status. The girl is very interested in what they can buy. "The bridegroom came to the store, and he's bought the best of everything!" (24). Again, this shows the status people hold if they have money. However, the bride rejects the presents even though "women dream of such stockings!" (24). Her rejection is due to the fact that she does not look forward to the wedding because she is in love with another man. Lorca's characterizes the Bride to not fit the female stereotype nor value money. I think he embraces both because the Bride is expected to marry off and therefore attempts to do that. Her disdain for the gifts shows her love for Leonardo. Although a dislikable character, Lorca uses her to address social symbols.
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