Class revision of student writing:
Lorca uses opposites to make more complex our understanding of everyday events.  More specifically, Lorca represents a wedding as something both positive and negative.  In Act II, scene 2, a conversation takes place between the bridegroom and his mother about the bride having a bad day. The Mother explains:  ". . . A bad day? The only good one. To me it was like coming into my own" (Lorca, Act II.ii).  Here, the mother finds it odd that the bride would be in such a terrible mood, since weddings are usually cause for celebration.  The mother believes that one's wedding day is one of the happiest days one will have, if not the only good day. The exchange of vows suggests a turning point in life and the  moment when a woman's purpose becomes apparent.

What contrast is taking place? Wedding as a good day versus a wedding as a bad day.

Integration of a quote:
Example:
Lorca relies on the use of contraries to convey meaning in his tragedy, Blood Wedding (1933; 1955). In the following passage, the Bride reflects on her passion for Leonardo and the danger of loving him:  "It's as though I'd drunk a bottle of anise and fallen asleep wrapped in a quilt of roses. It pulls me along and I know I'm drowning--but I go on down (Lorca, Act II.i)."
Respond to the quote . . .

II. Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding
Act Two
Set in the bride's house out in the desertscape of Andalusia, Spain.
Interestingly, the caves to which Lorca refers are real--agrarian folk had used caverns for their homes.
This act features the use of contrasts.
First, the servant's joy contrasts with the Bride's reluctance and irritation

The second song of the play announces the impending nuptials.
The singers tell the bride to awaken and meet the day.

The day here, and new possibilities, will contrast with the night of Act III

Orange blossoms are token of the vows
Leonardo reveals that he had little to offer the bride--class issues
Meanwhile, although the Bride comes from a landholding family, she had few prospects 60

Revival of the nuptial song--use of shepherdess and gallant to represent the bride and groom.
Emphasis on purity 61
The change from bride to wife
Importance of gift giving 63
Setting announced through stage directions--1900
Servant's anxious wedding song--68
reveals nervousness
Argument over silver pins from Bride's wreath--a token of the future 74
Disappearance of Leonardo and the Bride

Act Three
Introduction of woodcutters--these represent the views of the guests and family
second WC--wishes for the couple's flight
third--anxious--sure that the posse will find the lovers
Moon--appears as a woodcutter; desires blood to keep him warm
Lorca uses the surreal here.
Beggar woman also part of surreal landscape 84
Bride and Leonardo argue about their fate 87
Death not shown on stage, as in classical tragedies