The Complete Plays of John M. Synge by j.m. synge

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This amazing experience takes you there, transporting you precisely to the intended time and place. It's truly a remarkable journey that leaves you in awe. Every moment is filled with vivid details and a sense of authenticity that makes you feel as if you've actually stepped into that particular era or location.

The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is truly worth the praise. It's not just a simple simulation but a fully immersive adventure that engages all your senses. Whether it's the sights, sounds, or even the smells, everything is designed to perfection.

You'll find yourself completely absorbed in this world, forgetting about the present and fully embracing the past or the distant place. It's an opportunity to explore and discover things that you may have only read about or seen in pictures before. And when it's all over, you'll be left with memories that will last a lifetime.

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blueraimo

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I was initially just planning to read Dierdre of the Sorrows. However, I then made the decision to read all of them (some being re-reads), with the exception of Playboy of the Western World, which I had just read earlier this month.

I continue to have a profound love for Riders to the Sea above all else, and it firmly remains one of my favorite dramas by any author. While I find the comedies of In the Shadow of the Glen, The Well of the Saints, and The Tinker's Wedding more enjoyable than most comedies that rely solely on word-play and clever wit, I am even more intrigued by the tragic/dramatic moments within them.

As for Dierdre of the Sorrows, having just read The Táin, I truly appreciate the more natural and realistic portrayal of these characters. It's as if they were real people, and we are left never knowing whether they were entirely mythical or might have had some basis in history, especially considering the similarity to other myths such as Tristan and Iseult.

Just like others, though, I too do not believe that Synge is entirely successful in providing a completely convincing motive for Dierdre and Naisi to return to Ireland, given what was likely to occur.

But all of these plays should无疑 be wonderful options for small or academic companies to perform, so that they can once again return to the public consciousness (along with some of Lady Gregory's plays as well).

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iateyourcookies

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I read this collection as part of a class on Irish Revival Literature.

Out of the five assigned plays (we didn't do Tinker's Wedding, though I did read it on my own), I'd have to say "Playboy of the Western World" and "Well of the Saints" were my favorites.

They just struck me as more interesting than some of the others.

If you're studying theatre or just enjoy reading plays for fun, I'd suggest you check the plays of Synge out, if only for "Playboy" and its significance to drama.

For the curious, the plays fall into the following categories/genres:

In the Shadow of the Glen: a tragicomedy

Riders to the Sea: tragedy

The Tinker's Wedding: a comedy

The Well of the Saints: a comedy

The Playboy of the Western World: a comedy

Deirdre of the Sorrows: a tragedy

One could argue that "Well of the Saints" and "Playboy" are actually tragicomedies, but I don't think there's really enough tragedy in either to classify them as such.

Anyhow, hope this helps!

I found that the diverse range of genres in Synge's plays added to their overall appeal.

The tragicomedies, like "In the Shadow of the Glen," managed to blend elements of both tragedy and comedy in a unique way.

The tragedies, such as "Riders to the Sea" and "Deirdre of the Sorrows," were powerful and moving, exploring themes of loss and fate.

The comedies, including "The Tinker's Wedding," "The Well of the Saints," and "The Playboy of the Western World," were full of humor and wit, often satirizing aspects of Irish society.

Overall, I would highly recommend Synge's plays to anyone interested in Irish literature or theatre.

They offer a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of Ireland during the early 20th century.

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TiFFDerQueen

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The Playboy of the Western World and Deirdre of the Sorrows were my favorites.

The Playboy of the Western World is a remarkable play that captivates the audience with its unique plot and vivid characters. It explores themes such as masculinity, reputation, and the power of storytelling. The play's setting in the Western world adds a touch of authenticity and charm.

On the other hand, Deirdre of the Sorrows is a tragic and moving story. It tells the tale of a beautiful and doomed woman, Deirdre, who is fated to bring sorrow and destruction. The play delves into themes of love, fate, and the consequences of one's actions.

Both of these works have left a lasting impression on me. They展示了 the power of theater to transport us to different worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether it's the humor and excitement of The Playboy of the Western World or the tragedy and pathos of Deirdre of the Sorrows, these plays are truly masterpieces.

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Tolnin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Playboy of the Western World is undoubtedly the most prominent play in the series.

It is closely trailed by the two one acts and The Well of the Saints.

All the plays in this book, with the exception of Deirdre of the Sorrows, explore a dark comedic concept that reveals a great deal about humanity.

One can truly appreciate how progressive some of these ideas were during the early 20th century.

However, Deirdre of the Sorrows fails to engage with the common theme present in the other plays.

Nor is it particularly sad; in fact, the saddest play is likely Riders to the Sea.

It doesn't really stand out in any significant way.

This is precisely what caused it to be rated a 3/5 instead of a 4/5 for me.

Sometimes, Synge takes a while to make his point, and the language can be a bit too flowery for my taste.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend Playboy of the Western World and The Well of the Saints.

They are extremely intelligent works.

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LLG

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Lyrical, emotional, heart-breakingly wonderful... as only Irish drama can be.

These plays in this book have left an indelible mark on my soul. Long after turning the last page, they continue to linger in my thoughts, like a beautiful melody that refuses to fade away.

The words seem to dance off the page, painting vivid pictures of love, loss, and the human condition. Each character is brought to life with such authenticity and depth that I find myself completely invested in their stories.

The Irish drama has a unique charm that tugs at the heartstrings and makes you feel every emotion to the fullest. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of theater to move and inspire.

I will forever cherish these plays and the emotions they have evoked in me. They are a true testament to the beauty and artistry of Irish drama.

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Alexis9

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Excellent writing by one of Ireland's masters. This statement immediately piques our interest and makes us eager to explore the works of this talented individual. Ireland has a rich literary tradition, and its masters have produced some of the most profound and influential works in the English language. The writing of these masters is characterized by its beauty, depth, and complexity. They have the ability to bring characters and settings to life, to explore the human condition with great sensitivity and insight, and to create stories that resonate with readers on a deep level.

Whether it is the works of James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, or Samuel Beckett, each of these masters has made a unique contribution to the world of literature. Their writing has inspired generations of writers and readers alike, and continues to be studied and admired today. We can only imagine the countless hours of hard work and dedication that went into creating these masterpieces, and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience their beauty and power.

In conclusion, the excellent writing of one of Ireland's masters is a testament to the country's rich literary heritage and the talent and creativity of its writers. We should continue to celebrate and study their works, and look forward to the next generation of Irish writers who will no doubt continue to carry on this great tradition.

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NotAnElk

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Synge was, and indeed still is, one of the truly great Irish playwrights. His works are a treasure trove of literary excellence. They are filled with gorgeous language that can transport the reader or viewer to another world. The stories he tells are often heart-breaking, touching on the deepest emotions and experiences of the human condition. Yet, within the sadness, there is also a great deal of humor, which serves to lighten the mood and add a layer of complexity to the characters and their situations. Synge's writing is also highly lyrical, with a musical quality to the words that makes them a joy to read or hear. His plays are truly wonderful stuff, and they continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed by people all over the world.

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The Complete Plays of John M. Synge

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