The Playboy of the Western World

How does the factor of age play into the respect, or lack of respect, earned by the characters of Widow Quin and Old Mahon? What might Synge be saying about society’s treatment of older people versus younger people?

Compare and contrast the characters of Shawn and Christy. Explain how each of them meets, or fails to meet, the play’s ideals about masculinity.

The utilization of Hiberno-English (Irish English) is a trademark of Synge’s plays, and it is particularly prominent in The Playboy of the Western World. How does this work to create the world of the story? How does it commentate on things such as class, superstition, history, and culture in Ireland?

Many of the characters talk about being lonesome throughout the play. Pick one character that talks about how lonesome they are and trace their arc of resolving that throughout the play. Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

How does The Playboy of the Western World depict masculinity? Does Synge seem to be in favor or disfavor of the tie between masculinity and acts of violence?

In what ways is the masculine character trope of Christy in The Playboy of the Western World like the “bad boy” stereotype of today?

The Playboy of the Western World was highly criticized for its portrayal of Irish women. How are the women characters in the play portrayed, and do you agree with this criticism? Why or why not?

Explain the significance of the mirror in the play. What does it reveal about Christy’s character?