Riders to the Sea : Literary devices
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.
Literary devices
Literary Terms
Tragedy: A sad story where people suffer or die. Maurya loses all her sons to the sea.
One-Act Play: A one-act play is a drama with only one act. It has no long breaks or many different scenes. “Riders to the Sea” is a one-act play. It shows one sad story in a very short time. The play happens in one place without any change. It is short, simple, and full of deep sorrow. A one-act play has a single scene, short duration, and focuses on a single story or conflict.
Figures of Speech
Irony: When the opposite of what we expect happens. Bartley wants to earn money, but he dies instead.
Imagery: Words that help us see, hear, or feel something. “White boards for a coffin” – helps us imagine death.
Symbols/ Symbolism
The Sea: Power, death, and fate. It gives life (fish) but also takes life (men). All of Maurya’s sons died in the sea.
White Boards: A coffin or death. The girls bring whiteboards before they even know Bartley is dead.
Rope/String: Burial or preparation for death. The rope is used to make Bartley’s horse halter, but it also reminds of a coffin rope.
Clothes of Michael: A sign that Michael is dead. The priest sends Michael’s clothes from Donegal.
The Spinning Wheel: Women’s work, waiting, and time passing. The girls spin thread while waiting and talking.
Horse/Pony: A journey and also danger. Bartley’s ride to Galway Fair leads to his death.
The Stick (Maurya’s stick): Old age, weakness, and support. Maurya uses a stick to walk, and also when she goes to bless Bartley.