“Riders to the Sea” as a Universal Drama.
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 is “Riders to the Sea” a universal drama?
“Riders to the Sea” is a one-act play by Irish playwright J.M. Synge (1871-1909), first performed in 1904. It is often regarded as a universal drama because it explores timeless and universal themes that resonate with audiences across cultures and periods.
Tragedy and Loss: The play revolves around the theme of tragedy and loss, which is a universal aspect of the human experience. The central conflict of Maurya losing her sons to the sea is a poignant representation of the inevitable and often uncontrollable nature of death.
Conflict with Nature: In “Riders to the Sea,” the sea itself becomes a character, a relentless force that claims the lives of Maurya’s six sons, husband, and father-in-law. The struggle for the livelihood of the Aran Islanders throws light on the lives of every island, who are constantly battling with the brute sea.
Fate and Fatalism: The play explores the theme of fate and fatalism. The characters in the play seem resigned to their fate, accepting the cyclical nature of life and death. This concept is found in many cultures and philosophical traditions. After losing all her sons, Maurya accepts her fate:
No man at all can be living forever, and we must be satisfied
Family and Relationships: The dynamics within the family, the bonds between siblings and between a mother and her children, are central to the play. The universal themes of familial love, duty, and sacrifice are portrayed through the characters and their relationships.
Culture and Universality: While the play is set in the Aran Islands, on the west coast of Ireland, its themes and characters transcend cultural specifics. The struggles of the characters are relatable to people from various backgrounds.
In summary, “Riders to the Sea” is considered a universal drama because it addresses timeless and cross-cultural themes such as tragedy, loss, conflict with nature, fate, and the dynamics of family relationships.