The House of Bernarda Alba Lesson Plan

How does the start of Act II differ from the end of Act I? What has happened in that time?

Act I ended in a moment of chaos and violence with Bernarda and the household dragging a defiant Maria Josefa offstage. Act II begins with law and order having seemingly been restored. At least one night has passed since the end of Act I. All but one of the daughters are present onstage, sitting down and doing exactly what their mother expects of women: sewing. It should be noted that Magdalena is embroidering, an activity she had previously refused to do. There is a sense that the outburst by Maria Josefa has caused Bernarda to tighten the reins, lest her daughters begin to catch...