Bernarda Alba and her several daughters have just returned from the funeral of Bernarda's husband. Bernarda is a strict and rigid figure, given to no sentimentality nor laxity, and her daughters chafe under their virtual imprisonment in the home. One of them, the principal heir to their father's wealth, is engaged to a man who does not love her, but who is socially acceptable. However, two of the other daughters (at least) are in love with the same man, but are forbidden by their mother to act on their loves. The conflict between the daughters and between them and their mother leads to a tragic turn of events.