Upon the death of her husband, Bernarda imposed on her daughters a rigorous mourning of 8 years. So rigorous that they will not even be able to leave home, thus frustrating the needs of their four daughters, "of an age to deserve". After having denied Martirio as a fiancée to a Humanes "for being a gañán", she engages Angustias with Pepe "El Romano". The appearance of this character triggers a series of events that degenerates into a confrontation between the mother and the daughters and especially between the latter. Poncia, one of the house's trusted maids, tries to warn the lady about the consequences of such a rigid discipline. But Bernarda rejects all criticism; first to not lose your apparent security and, second, because you can not accept advice from a person who is at your service.