The Sheep Well: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Sheep Well: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the dynamics of power, tyranny, and communal resistance set in the village of Fuente Ovejuna during the late 15th century. Central to the narrative is Commander Fernán Gómez de Guzmán, a feudal lord who abuses his power by seizing village girls for his pleasure, most notably Laurencia, a beloved peasant girl. Laurencia's relationship with Frondoso, a courageous young peasant, forms the emotional core of the story. As Gómez attempts to disrupt their love and further his political ambitions, the villagers unite in a revolt against his tyranny, culminating in his death.
The characters are enriched by their diverse motivations and backgrounds, such as Pedro Téllez Girón, a youthful military leader, and Esteban, Laurencia's father, who defends her honor. The villagers, including figures like Flores and Ortuño, serve as agents of the oppressive system, ultimately facing the wrath of the collective peasantry. The play highlights the theme of collective guilt and justice, as the villagers assert that "the executioner was Fuente Ovejuna," illustrating a powerful message about unity and resistance against oppression. Through its exploration of these characters, the work raises profound questions about authority, morality, and community.
The Sheep Well: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lope de Vega
First published: Fuenteovejuna, 1619 (English translation, 1936)
Genre: Play
Locale: Spain
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1476
Commander Fernán Gómez de Guzmán (fehr-NAHN GOH-mehs deh gews-MAHN), the feudal lord of the village of Fuente Ovejuna (Sheep Well or Watering Place) in 1476. Lusting after the village girls, he has his servants, Flores and Ortuño, seize them and bring them to his palace for his pleasure. The girl he desires most is Laurencia, the prettiest girl of the village, but she manages to elude his servants. One day, the commander does seize her, but she is saved by Frondoso, a courageous young peasant. To further his political ambitions, the commander persuades the young master of Calatrava to attack the city of Ciudad Real, in the possession of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He intends to turn the town over to the king of Portugal. His career of tyranny and treachery ends when he is overthrown and killed by the people of Fuente Ovejuna after he has halted the marriage of Laurencia and taken the girl to the citadel.
Pedro Téllez Girón (PEH-droh TEH-yehs hee-ROHN), the youthful head of the military and religious Order of Calatrava. Urged by the older Commander Gómez, he captures Ciudad Real, but he is later defeated by the royal Spanish army. His appeal to King Ferdinand for clemency is accepted, and he is restored to honor.
Laurencia (low-REHN-see-ah), a charming peasant girl in love with Frondoso. She eludes the commander's men by staying in the fields as much as possible. One day, she is found by Gómez. Only the bravery of Frondoso, who seizes the commander's crossbow and threatens to kill him, saves her. She agrees to marry Frondoso, but the commander breaks up the wedding, has the groom jailed for attempting to murder him, and carries Laurencia off to his citadel. Escaping, she arouses the village, including the women, to storm the citadel and kill the cruel tyrant. She is pardoned by Queen Isabella.
Frondoso (frohn-doh-soh), a handsome young peasant who is in love with Laurencia. He earns the enmity of Gómez but escapes death when the commander's servants kill the wrong man. He is arrested on the eve of his marriage to Laurencia and is sentenced to be hanged. The revolt of the villagers saves him.
Flores (floh-rehs) and Ortuño (ohr-TEWN-yoh), servants of the commander who try to supply Gómez with girls. They are finally routed by the aroused peasantry.
Esteban (ehs-TEH-bahn), an alcalde, the father of Laurencia, who provides a dowry of 4,000 maravidis for her marriage to Frondoso. He refuses to surrender his daughter to the commander.
Alonso (ah-LOHN-soh), another alcalde.
Juan Rojo (hwahn rroh-hoh) and Cuadrado (kwahDRAH-doh), regidores of the village.
Jacinta (hah-SEEN-tah), a peasant girl, the friend of Laurencia, who is seized and raped by Commander Gómez.
Pascuala (pahs-KWAH-lah), another pretty peasant girl.
Mingo (MEEN-goh), a peasant whose attempts to save Jacinta from the attentions of the commander result in his being flayed by Spanish soldiers.
Barrildo (bah-RREEL-doh), another peasant. He argues humorously with Mingo and Frondoso over the nature of love.
Juan Chamorro (chah-MOH-rroh), a sacristan.
A judge, who is sent by King Ferdinand and Isabella to investigate the happenings at Fuente Ovejuna. Although he tortures and questions some three hundred villagers to discover the murderer of the commander, he gets the same reply from all: “The executioner was Fuente Ovejuna.”
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Catholic monarchs of Spain.
The villagers of Fuente Ovejuna (FWEHN-teh oh-vehHEW-nah), the real protagonist of this proletarian drama. Collectively, they assume guilt for the execution of the tyrant, and collectively they are pardoned and taken under the protection of the Crown.