Question: ‘It is wrong
to assume that the tragedy of Blood Wedding is provoked single-handedly by a
“fatal flaw” in Leonardo or in any other of the characters. In fact, all the
natural world participates in the action, and the characters are swept along by
a chthonic force (the duende) that is completely out of their control’ (Karen
Bennett). Discuss.
Text:
The Primary text is Blood Wedding by Lorca
Garcia.
Answering the Question:
·
Introduction
o
Rejecting the “Fatal Flaw” Theory: Start by explaining the concept of the
“fatal flaw” theory commonly associated with tragic characters in
literature. Highlight that in the case of “Blood Wedding,” the
tragedy isn’t solely driven by individual characters’ flaws.
·
Points to consider
- Influence of the Natural World: Discuss how the natural world plays a
significant role in the unfolding of the tragedy. Look at elements like the
arid landscape, the moon, and the animals, and show how they seem to mirror or
amplify the characters’ emotions and actions.- Chthonic Force (Duende): Explain the concept of the “duende,” a term often
associated with Lorca’s works. Discuss how this mystical force embodies a deep,
raw, and irrational power that lies beyond human control. Show how the
characters are influenced and driven by this uncontrollable energy.- Characters as Instruments: Illustrate how the
characters in “Blood Wedding” can be seen as instruments or
vessels of the chthonic force. They are almost compelled to act in
certain ways due to the overwhelming presence of the duende.- Lack of Agency: Analyze how the
characters’ lack of agency in the face of the chthonic force contributes
to the inevitability of the tragedy. Explore how they are unable to
escape the inexorable pull of the duende.- Symbolism and Allegory: Discuss how the natural
world and the chthonic force can be interpreted as symbolic and
allegorical elements that reflect deeper aspects of human nature,
desires, and fate.- Social and Cultural Context: Consider how the cultural
and societal context of Lorca’s Spain might influence the presence of the
duende and the sense of inevitability in the tragedy. Discuss any
relevant historical or cultural factors that add layers of meaning to the
narrative.- The Role of Tradition and
Family:
Examine how the characters’ connections to tradition and family also
contribute to their inability to break free from the duende’s influence.
Discuss how these ties heighten the sense of tragic fate.
- Conclusion
- Summarise the points you’ve
discussed and reiterate the idea that the tragedy in “Blood
Wedding” is not solely the result of individual flaws but rather a
convergence of natural forces, symbolic elements, and human actions
influenced by the chthonic force.
Remember to provide
specific examples (QUOTES) from the play to support your arguments and to
engage with the text in a thoughtful and analytical manner.
Secondary Sources
Incorporate at least 4 secondary sources. Reference
at least a sentence or two from each of the following articles to
support/develop a point that is being made within the essay:
1.
Karen Bennett: The ‘Duende’ in England: Lorca’s “Blood
Wedding” in Translation.
2.
Silverman: The Lyric Performance of Tragedy in Federico García Lorca’s
Blood Wedding
3.
Smith-Kleiner: THE CULTURAL PROCESS OF ADAPTATION: BODAS DE SANGRE
4.
Rosslyn: Lorca and Greek Tragedy
5.
Palley: Archetypal Symbols in “Bodas de Sangre”
Referencing & Bibliography
- Ensure to incorporate and
analyse quotes from the primary texts within the essay to support
arguments. - For in-text referencing,
write the author’s last name, year of publication and page number of quotes.
Example: (Knopf 2015: 167). This is for any articles or texts that are
referenced. - For the Bibliography, split
into 2 sections. List the primary texts at the top, and the secondary
texts below. - Primary Text is Blood
Wedding. - Secondary Texts include any
of the articles that are referenced.