This book comes as a continuation to the previous book with the same title, but this time, with ten plays and a broader discussion of the previously discussed ones. In this book, many specialised people have worked hard in order to answer the ongoing debates in the literary field. It deals with the most abstract idea in the Irish Theater: Nation Identity. It studies ten plays by three dramatisits and gives insight for analysing other plays.
The presented plays are as following:
- The Countess Cathleen
- Cathleen Ni Houlihan
- Purgatory
- Riders to the Sea
- The Playboy of the Western World
- The Well of the Saints
- Juno and the Paycock
- The Plough and the Stars
- The Shadow of Gunman
- The Silver Tassie
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgement
- Introduction
- The Countess Cathleen
- Cathleen Ni Houlihan
- Purgatory
- Riders to the Sea
- The Playboy of the Western World
- The Well of the Saints
- Juno and the Paycock
- The Plough and the Stars
- The Shadow of a Gunman
- The Silver Tassie
- Conclusion
- Works cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This book analyzes Irish national identity as portrayed in the dramatic works of prominent Irish playwrights. The analysis focuses on the national aspect while considering broader thematic arguments. While sometimes branching themes are explored, the analysis always returns to the central theme(s) of each play. The study considers various national aspects within the plays, linking them to the overarching theme of national identity.
- Irish National Identity
- Celtic-Buddhist Themes
- Political and Cultural Nationalism
- Language and Symbolism in Irish Drama
- Psychoanalytic Interpretations of Irish Plays
Chapter Summaries
The Countess Cathleen: This chapter analyzes Yeats's "The Countess Cathleen," focusing on its exploration of Celtic-Buddhism through the motif of selling souls. The analysis delves into the poetic language employed and its connection to the play's central theme. The chapter likely discusses the Countess's actions and their implications for the play's portrayal of Irish identity and spiritual beliefs.
Cathleen Ni Houlihan: This section examines Yeats's "Cathleen Ni Houlihan," exploring the play's use of the wedding day as a metaphor for the day of Irish independence. The analysis probably delves into the symbolism of the wedding and its relationship to the larger themes of national unity and self-determination. The chapter may also discuss how the play uses personal sacrifices to represent national sacrifice.
Purgatory: This chapter analyzes Yeats's "Purgatory," focusing on its exploration of political and cultural nationalism. The discussion likely delves into the play's use of setting, characters, and dialogue to reveal the complexities of Irish national identity and the lingering effects of the past. The analysis might explore the play's portrayal of familial relationships and their connection to broader political and cultural issues.
Riders to the Sea: This section delves into Synge's "Riders to the Sea," likely exploring the play's themes of fate, loss, and the harsh realities of life in rural Ireland. The analysis would likely focus on how the play uses symbolism, setting, and character development to create a powerful representation of the challenges faced by Irish coastal communities and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The role of women and their resilience in the face of hardship is probably explored.
The Playboy of the Western World: This chapter explores Synge's controversial play, "The Playboy of the Western World." It probably investigates the interplay between historical facts, myth, language, and psychoanalysis within the play's narrative. The analysis will undoubtedly examine the play's association with the riots it caused upon its initial performance and the ways in which the play tackles themes of Irish identity, masculinity, and societal norms.
The Well of the Saints: This section analyzes Synge's "The Well of the Saints." The analysis will likely center on the themes explored within the play, such as faith, sight, blindness, and the complexities of human perception. It may also discuss the play's setting and how it functions to symbolize broader ideas about life, mortality, and the human condition. The chapter probably delves into the play's unique style and its use of language.
Juno and the Paycock: This chapter examines O'Casey's "Juno and the Paycock," It likely delves into the play's depiction of working-class life in Dublin during a time of social and political upheaval. The analysis might focus on the play's character dynamics and their struggles against poverty and political instability. The chapter probably explores the use of humor, tragedy, and satire within the play.
The Plough and the Stars: This section analyzes O'Casey's "The Plough and the Stars." It likely focuses on the play's portrayal of the 1916 Easter Rising and its impact on ordinary citizens. The analysis will probably include an examination of the play's depiction of political conflict, personal sacrifices, and the complexities of human relationships during times of war and social change. The chapter probably examines the play’s controversial nature and its reception.
The Shadow of a Gunman: This chapter analyzes O'Casey's "The Shadow of a Gunman," The analysis likely focuses on its exploration of Irish identity and the effects of violence and political turmoil. It probably analyzes the play's themes of mistaken identity and the dangers of political extremism, using the play's characters to reflect the complexities of Irish society in the early 20th century. The chapter likely discusses the play's comedic and dramatic elements.
The Silver Tassie: This chapter examines O'Casey's "The Silver Tassie." The analysis probably focuses on the play’s exploration of the devastating impact of World War I on individual soldiers and society as a whole. The chapter may explore its experimental style and its departure from traditional dramatic conventions and its use of symbolism. The analysis probably delves into the play's controversial themes and its complex portrayal of war and its aftermath.
Keywords
Irish national identity, Irish drama, Yeats, Synge, O'Casey, Celtic-Buddhism, political nationalism, cultural nationalism, language, symbolism, psychoanalysis, historical context, national unity, social commentary, war, Irish literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Irish National Identity in Drama
What is the main focus of this book?
This book analyzes how Irish national identity is portrayed in the dramatic works of prominent Irish playwrights, such as Yeats, Synge, and O'Casey. It examines national aspects within the plays, linking them to the overarching theme of national identity while also considering broader thematic arguments.
Which plays are analyzed in this book?
The book analyzes the following plays: The Countess Cathleen, Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Purgatory (all by W.B. Yeats), Riders to the Sea, The Playboy of the Western World, The Well of the Saints (all by J.M. Synge), and Juno and the Paycock, The Plough and the Stars, The Shadow of a Gunman, The Silver Tassie (all by Sean O'Casey).
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Key themes include Irish national identity, Celtic-Buddhist themes (particularly in Yeats's work), political and cultural nationalism, the use of language and symbolism in Irish drama, and psychoanalytic interpretations of Irish plays. The analysis considers historical context, national unity, social commentary, and the impact of war on Irish society.
What is the structure of the book?
The book is structured with an introduction, a chapter dedicated to each play mentioned above, a conclusion, and a works cited section. Each chapter provides a summary and analysis focusing on the play's exploration of Irish national identity and related themes.
What kind of analysis is used in this book?
The book uses a thematic approach, focusing on how each play contributes to the understanding of Irish national identity. It incorporates various analytical lenses, including considerations of symbolism, language, historical context, and psychoanalytic perspectives.
How does the book address the theme of Irish National Identity?
The book examines how Irish national identity is constructed and presented in these plays, exploring its various facets and complexities through the lens of the chosen plays' themes, characters, and settings. It looks at how the plays reflect the political, social, and cultural landscape of Ireland during the periods in which they were written.
What are some of the specific themes explored within individual plays?
The analysis of each play delves into specific themes relevant to that particular work. For example, The Countess Cathleen explores Celtic-Buddhist themes, while Cathleen Ni Houlihan uses the metaphor of a wedding to represent Irish independence. Riders to the Sea examines themes of fate and the harsh realities of life in rural Ireland. The Playboy of the Western World explores themes of Irish identity, masculinity, and societal norms, and so on for each of the plays.
What are the keywords associated with this book?
Keywords include: Irish national identity, Irish drama, Yeats, Synge, O'Casey, Celtic-Buddhism, political nationalism, cultural nationalism, language, symbolism, psychoanalysis, historical context, national unity, social commentary, war, and Irish literature.
For whom is this book intended?
This book is intended for academic use, suitable for researchers and students interested in Irish literature, drama, and national identity. The analysis is structured in a professional and academic manner.
- Quote paper
- Youssef Al-Youssef (Author), 2015, National Identity in Irish Drama. A Study of Selected Plays by Yeats, Synge and O'Casey, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/293141
