How do Nora and Cathleen Serve the Purpose of the Chorus?
Riders to the Sea is a notable literary work by John Millington Synge. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Riders to the Sea.
Answer
How do Nora and Cathleen serve the purpose of the chorus in “Riders to the Sea”?
“Riders to the Sea” is a play written by Irish playwright J.M. Synge (1871-1909), first performed in 1904. The play is known for its tragic themes and depiction of rural life in the Aran Islands. In the context of the play, Nora and Cathleen serve a similar function to that of a chorus in classical Greek drama.
A chorus refers to a group of characters who comment on and discuss the actions of the play or provide background information. Nora and Cathleen serve the purpose of the chorus in the following manner:
Commentary: Nora and Cathleen provide crucial information about the characters and the situation. They reveal the hardships faced by the family and the repeated tragedies involving the drowning of male family members at sea. Through their conversations, the audience learns Michael is missing at the sea.
Amplification of Emotion: Much like a chorus, Nora and Cathleen express and amplify the emotional atmosphere of the play. They convey the grief, sorrow, and anxiety experienced by the characters, particularly Maurya, the mother who has lost several sons to the sea. 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. Again, Nora’s sentiment about Michael’s belongings can be traced in the following line:
Isn’t it a pitiful thing when there is nothing left of a man … but a bit of an old shirt?
Symbolic Representation: Nora and Cathleen can be seen as symbolic representatives of the broader community. Their dialogue reflects the shared pain and hardship of the entire community rather than just individual characters.
Bridge Between Characters and Audience: Nora and Cathleen act as a bridge, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and their tragic circumstances.
To wrap up, Nora and Cathleen in “Riders to the Sea” fulfill a role reminiscent of the chorus in classical drama.