Riders to the Sea

Dramatic Strengths in "Riders to the Sea"

Opening creates interest, with reference to a contemporary situation

Thesis sentence

When there is a coal mine disaster, people around the world become glued to their television sets. They are horrified by the tragic loss of life but fascinated by the resolve and strength that surviving families show in responding to disastrous change. Loss at sea interrupts life in "Riders to the Sea" in a similar way; all six sons in one family are victims. This story is memorable because of several dramatic strengths in its design: its realistic interpretation of human experience, its intense emotion, and its exploration of values.

Contrast between two characters contributes to realism

Drama always seeks to give an audience a true representation of life experiences. By using realistic techniques, Synge achieves this goal. The set, with its "cottage kitchen, nets, oil-skins, spinning-wheel and pot-oven by the fire," draws the audience into believable living conditions in family life connected with the sea (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 13.3, lines x-x). The characters are associated with storing fuel to dry, baking, spinning--all are tasks required for survival in a rugged situation. Maurya, the mother, is strong and practical. She is capable of accepting Michael's death at sea, and has already "given a big price for the finest white boards" to be used for his coffin before his death is confirmed (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 13.3, lines x-x). Her only surviving son, Bartley, is not so concerned with things that are inevitable; he has a youthful outlook and seeks new opportunities without thinking much about risk. He's intent on making a journey to a "fair that will be a good fair for horses" (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 13.3, lines x-x). This contrast between a youthful view of life and a mature, experienced outlook creates the basis for conflict and builds the audience's interest in the decision that Bartley makes. Eventually, the life insights that Maurya has gained prove to be true ones. She knows that life is not an idealistic journey; it is complex and filled with contradictions and unexpected things. She sadly points out this irony when she says, "In the big world the old people do be leaving things after them for their sons and children, but in this place it is the young men do be leaving things behind for them that do be old" (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 13.3, lines x-x).

Explanation of how suspense is used to build emotional depth

The emotional level in the play steadily increases as the plot develops. Suspense begins when the daughters bring out the package that might contain their dead brother's clothes. Their fear turns to utter dismay when they know Michael is dead. "Isn't it a pitiful thing," Nora says, "when there is nothing left of