In this Journal entry I will look a little bit into how the setting of Blood Wedding has affected the novel.
So far it seems that Blood Wedding is set in Spain sometime in the early 20th century. People still ride horses, but there are cars as well, and the climate is warm and suitible for growing grapes
One way in which the setting of Blood Wedding affects the novel is simply the plot. When the Bridegroom and the Mother go and visit the Bride, they travel by horses for about four hours to get there. "Good; but too remote. A four hour journey, and not a house or a tree". In addition, this setting allows for the introduction of the symbol of grapes. "Never mind. I'll eat grapes. Give me a knife." I am not yet sure what the grapes are a symbol for, but they are probably a symbol for something.
In addition to this relatively superficial effect on the plot, the setting in Blood Wedding also allows the author to look at women's role in society. In Blood Wedding, the mairrage between the Bridegroom and the Bride appears to be mostly arranged, with neither side really having a complete say in the matter. In addition, the Bride is a submissive and obedient woman in around her father and future husband. Her father says that she "never speaks out; is as soft and gentle as wool; she embroiders all sorts of embroidery...". When the Bride does come into the room, "Her hands are folded modestly and her head is bowed". By chosing to set the play in a place and time period where these behaviors are the norm, the author is able to examine them in the novel. I will know more about this as I read more of the novel.
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