Riders to the Sea : Quotations
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.
Quotations
“They’re all gone now, and there isn’t anything more the sea can do to me.” (Maurya)
Exp: When Maurya’s last son Bartley dies, she says the quotes. It means the sea has taken all her men, and she has nothing left to lose.
“This is the one boat going for two weeks… the fair will be a good fair for horses.”
Exp: When Maurya begs Bartley to stay at home and not go to sea. Bartley says he must take the risk of going to sea despite the dangers. He explained that the boat only comes once every two weeks. If he misses it, his family loses their chance to sell horses at the Galway fair, which is very important for their family. He emphasizes it’s a “good fair for horses” (prices are high). It makes this trip vital for their survival. Their poverty leaves no choice.
“I’ve had a husband, and a husband’s father, and six sons in this house… and they’re gone now the lot of them.” (Maurya)
Exp: Maurya lists all her family members lost to the sea. It shows how much tragedy she has suffered.
“It’s Michael, Cathleen, it’s Michael; God spare his soul!” (Nora)
Exp: Nora utters the quotes when she counts the stitches in the stocking and realizes it belongs to their drowned brother, Michael.
“I must go now quickly. I’ll ride down on the red mare, and the gray pony’ll run behind me.” (Bartley)
Exp: Before leaving for the sea, Bartley says the quotes, not knowing the Gray pony will cause his death.
“I seen the fearfulest thing… Michael himself riding on the gray pony.” (Maurya)
Exp: She describes her vision of dead Michael following Bartley. It is a bad sign/ prophecy that comes true.
“It’s destroyed we are from this day.” (Cathleen)
Exp: After realizing both Michael and Bartley are dead, Cathleen says this. It means their family is ruined.
“No man at all can be living forever, and we must be satisfied.” (Maurya)
Exp: The quote is the final words of Maurya. By this, she consoles herself that death comes to everyone. After losing all men, she finds acceptance in the natural order of life and death.