The Role of Nature in J.M. Synge’s Riders to the Sea.

Answer

Analyze the use of nature in J.M. Synge’s Riders to the Sea.

Or discuss the Role of Nature in Riders to the Sea.

J.M. Synge’s (1871-1909) play “Riders to the Sea,” published in 1903, is a tragedy that explores the harsh and unforgiving relationship between the inhabitants of the Aran Islands and the natural environment that surrounds them. Nature plays a significant role in shaping the lives of the characters. Nature serves as a powerful force that influences the unfolding of the tragedy. Here are some key aspects of nature in “Riders to the Sea”:

Symbolism of the Sea: The sea is a central element in the play. It serves as a powerful symbol of both life and death. It provides sustenance through fishing, but it also takes away loved ones. In the play, Maurya eventually loses all six of her young sons, husband, and father-in-law to the sea. The sea is an unpredictable and uncontrollable force.

Elements of Nature: Synge pays close attention to the details of the natural environment. In the play, we witness the rugged landscape, the sound of the wind and the sea, and the harsh climate. These elements create a sense of realism. The play’s nature helps establish the isolated and challenging setting in which the characters live.

Conflict with Nature: The characters in “Riders to the Sea” constantly conflict with the natural elements, particularly the sea. The household men go to sea to provide for their families, but this venture is fraught with danger. The inevitability of loss and tragedy is emphasized as the characters must fight with nature for their livelihood, a fight which they cannot win. Nora says,

God help us. There’s a great roaring in the west.

Nora’s comment about the impending storm foreshadows Bartley’s death by the power of nature. The audience knows the water is unsafe, yet Bartley decides to make the journey to sell a horse anyway. Bartley explains why he must go out to sea despite the impending storm.

This is the one boat going for two weeks or beyond it.

He cannot avoid the responsibility of supporting his family. Eventually, he loses his life to the sea.

Fate and Destiny: The play suggests a fatalistic view of life, where the characters accept the inevitability of their fates. The repetitive cycle of loss to the sea reinforces the idea that there is a predetermined order to life and death. Their lives are dictated by the natural forces surrounding the island. In the play, Maurya loses all six sons and ultimately accepts her fate. She says,

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

No man at all can be living forever, and we must be satisfied

Atmosphere and Mood: The descriptions of the natural environment help to set the overall atmosphere and mood of the play. The bleak and desolate setting mirrors the emotional state of the characters. The nature adds a sense of foreboding and tragedy.

Role of Animals: Animals, such as the horses mentioned in the play, also play a role in emphasizing the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Cyclical Nature: The play reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, mirroring the natural cycles found in the environment. The repetition of tragic events, generation after generation, reinforces the idea that the characters are caught in a relentless and unavoidable pattern.

In “Riders to the Sea,” nature is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the unfolding tragedy. Synge skillfully uses the natural environment to highlight the harsh realities of life on the Aran Islands and to explore themes of fate, loss, and the relentless power of the sea.