Disscuss Maurya as a Tragic Character in “Riders to the Sea”

Answer

Discuss Maurya as a tragic character in “Riders to the Sea.”

or sketch Maurya as a tragic character.

Maurya is the central character in J.M. Synge’s (1871-1909) one-act play Riders to the Sea (1904). She is a poor widow living in the Aran Islands of Ireland. The play depicts the tragedy of Maurya and her family as they struggle to survive amidst the harshness of the sea and their relentless grief.

Tragic Character: Maurya is portrayed as an old, weather-beaten woman who has suffered greatly. She has lost her husband and four sons to the sea. They leave her with only two surviving sons, Bartley and Michael. Later, she lost two of them, too. She says-

They’re all gone now and there isn’t anything more the sea can dot to me.

Emotional Catharsis: Maurya’s character offers the audience a profound emotional experience by provoking empathy and catharsis. Her stoic acceptance of fate and the quiet resignation she faces each loss evoke a deep sense of pity and fear. Pity and fear arouse powerful emotions in the audience. Through Maurya, the audience confronts the harsh realities of life and mortality. It leads to a cathartic release of emotions. She talks about Bartley’s journey into the sea in the following manner:

He’s gone now, God spare us, and we’ll not see him again.

The Struggle for Identity: In a male-dominated society, Maurya’s character challenges traditional gender roles. She becomes the matriarch and patriarch of her family due to the absence of male figures. Her ability to fulfill these roles showcases her adaptability and determination. She proves that strength knows no gender. It inspires readers to reconsider societal norms and expectations.

Faith in God: Maurya is a deeply religious woman. Her faith is her only consolation in life and helps her to endure the constant struggle and tragedy. Despite losing eight family members, she doesn’t lose faith in God.

Practical Woman: Maurya is a practical woman who has learned to accept the harshness of life. She has accepted the fact that death is an inevitable part of living. Her acceptance of this truth is reflected in her reaction to Michael’s death. Instead of being overwhelmed by her grief, she merely acknowledges that she has lost another son and continues with her daily routine. She talks about recognizing Michael’s dead body after nine days of death. It shows her practical tendency. She says-

 It’s hard set his own mother would be to say what man was it.

Loving Mother: Maurya’s love for her family is evident throughout the play. She is deeply concerned for her son Bartley’s safety when he decides to sail to the mainland.  She fears the sea will claim him as it did his brothers. She is also heartbroken when she finds out that Michael’s body has been found. To her, nothing is more valuable than the life of her son. She says-

What is the price of a thousand horses against a son where there is one son only?

Resilient: Maurya’s character is an embodiment of resilience. Maurya represents the matriarchal figure who keeps her family together amidst life’s adversities. Her character is a tribute to the sacrifices and struggles of women in Irish society.

Believe in Fate: Maurya is a victim of circumstances. She is like a doll in the hands of fate. She believes God predetermines her family’s fate, and no one can escape it. She says-

No man at all can be living for ever, and we must be satisfied.

In conclusion, Maurya is a tragic character that reflects the harsh realities of life on the Aran Islands. Maurya’s character remains relevant today, as it represents the struggles of women and their contribution to society in times of hardship. Through her story, Synge explores the inevitability of fate, the resilience of the human spirit, and the overwhelming power of nature.