The role of Women in Ireland in the early 20th century

The role of Women in Ireland in the early 20th century as reflected in Irish literature time
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
The role of women in 20th century Ireland cannot be separated from the political situation affecting Irish citizens at the time. The British influence was on the decline with minority Protestants favoring continued British rule, but the majority Catholic population favored cutting ties with the British rule. Nonetheless, there were pockets of Protestants who were in favor of Irish nationalism and independence, but the portrayal of women in theater, plays, and books differed among the authors and writers. Ireland was largely a patriarchal society, and although Irish and Anglo Irish women had different experiences, they all tried to have a bigger role in the society. Although, the urban and rural areas had different lifestyles, women were treated like second-class citizens with fewer rights. This paper explores the role of Irish women in the society during the 20th century through comparing their representation in that era’s literature.
In The playboy of the Western World, Synge depicts contentious images of both men and women in 20th century Ireland. The play explores female sexuality and violence, Synge points out that both women, and men were prone to violent tendencies in Ireland. Christy Mahon main protagonist of the play stated that he had committed patricide based on his mistaken belief and this surprisingly makes him powerful in the eyes of locals. The local pub owner’s daughter Pegeen is also one of the people surprised by Mahon’s word, but she is also shown as amoral having being unfriendly with Widow Quinn over Christy Mahon although she was engaged. In The Plough and the Stars, women do not take matters into their hands and are only reactionary, as shown by Nora’s decision to move away from her house after Dublin is engulfed in revolution. The revolt is seen through the eyes of Nora, and O’Casey (2001) is on fact mocking those who support war efforts.
Synge did not represent the stereotypical woman in the The playboy of the Western World. This is represented by Pegeen who appears to be rebellious against the ideals defining feminine characteristics. This is apparent, as she is independent unlike what was expected of women during this era. Furthermore, Peegen seems to hold more power in her relationship with Shawn, and Shawn is afraid of being jilted by Peegen (Synge, 1993). In a Portrait of the Artist as a young man, Joyce (2001) presents two different types of women. Virtuous women like Stephen’s mother and friend are Catholic, but Stephen presents Protestant women as something of a mystery and less virtuous, as if they are prostitutes whom Stephen visits. Thus, the role of women in Ireland during the 20 century can be seen as moving away from traditional way of women waiting for men to take the lead, but there were hints of conservative ideals based on religious ideals.
Synge presents a completely different narrative from fellow Irish artists by dissociating his characters from traditional roles of both genders in then Irish culture. In other words, The Playboy of The Western World shows an evolving society where women break social bounds that limit them. Female characters have an aura of authority through dominating communication unlike the traditional view that they ought to be polite and listen more often than they talk. On the other hand, The Plough and the Stars sarcastically portrays women as being useful for rearing sons who would then fight to liberate Ireland from the British rule. Nonetheless, women also have a voice so long as they do not conform to the Irish Heroic myths. Thus, both O’Casey and Synge portray different gendered roles of women, but the differences are also a reflection of the authors’ surrounding as seen from a political context.
The female characters presented by Synge are impolite in the way they communicate and appear domineering. Nonetheless, even the male characters appear confrontational at times and the community did not frown upon this. However, Pegeen is not entirely forward looking, as she does not simply accept Christy’s proposal as this would have appeared hasty. Self-imposition is a characteristic that was common among male characters, but Pegeen’s will to impose her views makes her appear masculine unlike traditional notions of Irish womanhood. O’Casey in The Plough and the Stars blurs the lines of morality and feminine idealism as represented in the Irish culture through Rosie a prostitute. Rosie merely acts rationally, to maximize her gains she would prefer a any client who offers more money and does not care about idealism. Even though Rosie is also headstrong like Peegen she is simply looking for ways to earn a living.
In The Plough and the Stars , O’ Casey does not focus on any single female character as the ultimate heroine of the story, but this does not meant that the role of women was less prominent in the play. This notion is reinforced by Nora, the wife of Jack the Commandant, who is unhappy because of the limitations imposed by tenement life, and her husband who wants to overthrow the British rule. At the same time, Redmond a prostitute is remarkable in the way she appears to have a great deal of common sense. Even though Synge delves into sexuality in The Playboy, it is more likely that the satirical portrayal of women as having aggressive sexuality represent the view that there was a possibility that there could be love without passion.
O ‘Casey shows the importance of women through their actions in their homes and ability to influence those around them. Nora is an alert woman, who nonetheless is afraid of the effects of war, and actually wonders whether her husband’s fighting is worth the glory associated with patriotism. Thus, women in the play are seen as key pillars in the decision making process and pragmatic. Nonetheless, the play mostly naturalizes social inequalities in the society and gender roles. This is because the liberation of Ireland is largely left to the hands of men, with women playing a peripheral role in the struggle. On the Contrary, women in The Last September, are depicted as strong, and this appears when there is too much focus on Lois’ mother than father, with the mother playing a prominent role in Lois life. The death of Lois’ mother captures the peop...