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Riders to the Sea : Literary devices

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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, to various questions of Riders to the Sea.

Literary devices

  • The Sea: Symbolizes life and death, as the characters depend on it for sustenance but also face its destructive force.
  • Boat: Represents the family’s livelihood from fishing and their vulnerability to the sea’s dangers.
  • Clothing and Possessions: Reminders of lost loved ones and the inevitable cycle of life and death.
  • Women’s Knitting: Symbol of family ties and the constant mending mirrors their acceptance of tragedy.
  • Churning of the Sea: It reflects the ongoing struggles and challenges of the characters.
  • Holy Wells and Religious Elements: Highlight the characters’ search for solace and protection.
  • Bartley’s Horses: Represents the family’s reliance and foreshadows tragedy.
  • The White Boards: Symbolizes death’s constant presence and mortality.
  • The Rope: Signifies both practicality and the sea’s role in death.