Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
43(43%)
3 stars
26(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More

I vividly recall reading this remarkable play during my university days, yet the title had eluded my memory. Through the power of Google and some strategic keyword trials, I finally unearthed it and embarked on a rereading journey. From this moment forward, "Riders to the Sea" will forever be etched in my mind.


The narrative centers around Maurya, a woman who has endured the heart-wrenching loss of her husband, father-in-law, and five sons to the unforgiving sea. As the play commences, Nora and Cathleen, Maurya's daughters, receive word that a body, potentially their brother Michael, has washed ashore in Donegal, far to the north. Meanwhile, Bartley, another son, is determined to sail to Connemara to sell a horse, despite Maurya's desperate pleas for him to stay. Maurya foresees that by nightfall, she will have no living sons, and her daughters scold her for sending Bartley off with an ill word. Maurya races after Bartley to bless his voyage, and Nora and Cathleen receive clothing from the drowned corpse, confirming it is indeed their brother. Maurya returns home, claiming to have witnessed the ghost of Michael riding behind Bartley, and begins to lament the profound loss of the men in her family to the sea. Shortly thereafter, some villagers bring in the corpse of Bartley, who has fallen off his horse into the sea and drowned.



  (raising her head and speaking as if she did not see the people around her) "They're all gone now, and there isn't anything more the sea can do to me.... I'll have no call now to be up crying and praying when the wind breaks from the south, and you can hear the surf is in the east, and the surf is in the west, making a great stir with the two noises, and they hitting one on the other. I'll have no call now to be going down and getting Holy Water in the dark nights after Samhain, and I won't care what way the sea is when the other women will be keening."
  (Maurya)

July 15,2025
... Show More

They're all gone now, and there isn't anything more the sea can do to me. The sea has claimed all that was dear to me, leaving me with a sense of profound loss and emptiness. It has been a cruel mistress, taking away my loved ones one by one. But now, as I stand here, I realize that perhaps there is a strange kind of liberation in this finality.


The tragic one-act play http://www.one-act-plays.com/dramas/r... explores the power of the sea and its impact on the lives of those who depend on it. It tells a story of love, loss, and the unyielding forces of nature. Through the characters and their experiences, we are reminded of the fragility of human life and the inevitability of fate.


As I think about this play and my own situation, I can't help but feel a sense of kinship with the characters. We have all been at the mercy of something greater than ourselves, something that we have no control over. But perhaps, in the face of such tragedy, we can find strength and courage to carry on.


They're all gone now, and there isn't anything more the sea can do to me..
July 15,2025
... Show More
Conflict is never a resolution.

The vulnerable nature of a civilization in conflict with the sea is a captivating and thought-provoking theme.

I have always been deeply in love with stories that explore the ocean and the awe-inspiring power of the environment.

The sea, with its vastness and unpredictability, has the ability to both nurture and destroy.

When a civilization finds itself in conflict with the sea, it faces numerous challenges and uncertainties.

The forces of nature can be unforgiving, and any attempt to impose human will upon the ocean may lead to unintended consequences.

These stories not only highlight the beauty and mystery of the sea but also serve as a reminder of our own vulnerability in the face of its power.

They make us reflect on the importance of respecting and protecting the environment, and of finding sustainable ways to coexist with the natural world.

By delving into these tales, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humanity and the sea, and perhaps find inspiration to create a more harmonious future.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I have a deep affection for J.M. Synge. At least, I love his prose, which mainly consists of his memoirs about his life and travels in Connemara, Mayo, and the Aran Islands at the turn of the 20th century. However, I must fully admit that I chose this play not only because it was one of the shortest but also because it was one of my summer reading goals to read a play. With just a few days remaining before the challenge ended, I still hadn't read a single play.


"Riders to the Sea" is short but far from sweet. It is harsh, rough, and deeply sad. It is the perfect combination to capture the essence of life on the Aran Islands over 100 years ago, when life itself was also harsh, rough, and filled with sadness. The play is somewhat fatalistic and sharply poignant, delving into questions of death and mortality that were of great significance to the islanders.


Just like the rest of this genre, it loses some of its charm when read compared to when it is performed. I would really like to see a J.M. Synge play performed on stage someday. Probably "Playboy" is the most likely candidate. So, I will have to keep my eyes open at the local theatre!
July 15,2025
... Show More
Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can assist you further.
July 15,2025
... Show More
As it is Irish literature written in a Glegic tone, it cannot be enlisted by the same standards as any classical or modern literature.

However, the universal theme it represents is abundant enough to judge its worth.

"Inevitability of Death" is indeed a rather grand topic to be placidly depicted in a one-act play. J M Synge flawlessly supplemented the idea of life and death in relation to our insignificant existence in nature.

He skillfully explored how death is an inescapable part of life and how our lives are but fleeting moments in the grand scheme of things.

The play makes us reflect on the meaning and value of our own lives and how we should cherish the time we have.

So, overall, it is a good read due to its great tragedy. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader and makes us think about the deeper aspects of life and death.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I had an extremely difficult time grappling with the dialect. However, the sense of loss and anguish that permeated through was truly palpable. The piece is merely 18 pages in length. I discovered that his work, The Aran Islands, was not only compelling but equally tragic. It is a play that lingers with you long after you've finished experiencing it.

I find myself longing with great intensity to hear it (or witness it being performed) rather than simply reading it. There is something about the auditory and visual elements that I believe would enhance the overall impact and bring the story to life in a more vivid and profound way. The words on the page, while powerful, seem to pale in comparison to the potential of a live performance. I can only imagine the emotions that would wash over me as I listened to the actors bring the characters and their struggles to life.

It is this anticipation and desire for a more immersive experience that keeps me thinking about this play and yearning for the opportunity to encounter it in a different form.
July 15,2025
... Show More

No man at all can be living forever, and we must be satisfied. This simple truth holds great significance. Life is a finite journey, and understanding this allows us to appreciate each moment. We should not waste our precious time on unimportant things or dwell on the idea of immortality. Instead, we should focus on making the most of the time we have. We can pursue our dreams, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to society. By doing so, we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Even though we know that our time on earth is limited, we can still leave a positive impact and make a difference. So, let us embrace the reality that no one can live forever and be content with the beautiful and短暂的 life that we have.

July 15,2025
... Show More
How much better could life possibly be?

I have the wonderful opportunity to read Irish plays and engage in discussions about them with students. It truly makes life grand!

Riders to the Sea is an exquisitely beautiful play. The performance by Druid is nothing short of superb. I must give a big thanks to Zan for introducing me to this amazing production.

The play takes the audience on a journey through the lives of the characters, exploring themes of loss, love, and the harsh realities of life. The acting is so powerful that it brings the story to life in the most vivid way.

Every time I watch Riders to the Sea, I am left in awe of the talent and artistry on display. It is a play that will stay with me for a long time, and I look forward to sharing it with my students and continuing to have these meaningful discussions about the power of theater.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Brief but well-versed, the article presented a significant amount of content within just a few pages.

The preface, however, seemed to have slightly overhyped it.

Nevertheless, it was most justified by the final sentences: “No man at all can be living for ever, and we must be satisfied.”

This profound statement encapsulates the essence of the article, perhaps suggesting that despite the brevity, the ideas presented are worthy of our attention.

It makes us reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of finding satisfaction within the limitations we face.

Although the article may not have delved as deeply as one might have hoped in some areas, it still manages to convey a powerful message in a concise manner.

Overall, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, a few well-chosen words can have a greater impact than a lengthy dissertation.

July 15,2025
... Show More
The sea is not this bad, I swear to you it is not like that..!

Well, perhaps it may afflict its patients sometimes,

but it also empowers them at times..

How many ships have reached the other shore safely through it..

And how many covered lands have been discovered because of it..

And how many blessings it has bestowed upon us..!

Well, I am afraid of it in heart and appearance,

Even if I have taken upon myself and adopted the philosophical pretext for this strategy that the sea symbolizes fate..

But there cannot be a fate this bad!

A woman loses her five children and her husband -one after another-.. all of them.. among the waves of the sea!

Well, perhaps there is strength in this pretext, but I reject talking about the sea in this shocking way!
July 15,2025
... Show More
In place of the previous narratives centered around men embarking on sea adventures, this drama takes a different perspective. It delves into the lives of the women who were left behind, compelled to mourn the loss of their fathers, husbands, and sons, and yet powerless to change the situation.

Unlike earlier London comedies that presented one-dimensional and often foolish Irish characters, or recent literary revivals with perhaps overly idealized Irishness, this drama portrays the rural poor of Ireland with a diverse range of personalities and emotions. As they strive to safeguard others from harm and maintain their dignity in the face of tragedy, their true nature is revealed.

The play also contains interesting religious commentary. For instance, when the "young priest" remains offstage and is dismissed by the main character as ignorant of the sea and its perils. Additionally, there is a hint of a "gothic" element, such as the concept of ghosts and foreshadowing. These elements, along with the keening, are actually rooted in pre-Christian traditions and folklore that Synge encountered during his visit to the Aran Islands.

One early review of the play stated, "we need sunshine badly." While I would probably suggest that those who wish to avoid depression might want to steer clear of this play, others might find it cathartic. The final lines convey a message of acceptance that some may find comforting. I would also recommend reading the edition edited by David R. Clarke (Charles E. Merrill Publishing, 1970), as it includes a plethora of essays that explain the play in detail, particularly the meaning of "tragedy" and highlight the abundant symbolism and background that I overlooked while reading it.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.