J. M. Synge’s "Riders To The Sea" Has a Relatively Passive Plot : Discuss

Is J. M. Synge’s "Riders To The Sea" Dramatic?

J. M. Synge's "Riders to the Sea": A Discussion on Its Relatively Passive Plot

Introduction

The contentious issue of whether J. M. Synge's "Riders to the Sea" is lacking in dramatic action or the characters --- themselves entirely passive , is usually resolve in contrary manners by contradicting critics since there is no human conflict nor is there major dramatic action occurring on the stage - has often led to the opinion that it has a relatively passive plot. Now first what is a passive plot? In literature, a passive plot refers to a narrative structure that lacks significant external action or dramatic events, focusing instead on internal struggles, emotions, and character development. It may prioritize exploring themes and the human condition over traditional plot progression and conflict.

Understanding the Plot of "Riders to the Sea"

J. M. Synge

"Riders to the Sea" is a one-act tragedy set in the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland. The play revolves around the grieving Maurya and her family, who have suffered numerous losses due to the treacherous sea. Maurya's sons and husband have all been claimed by the ocean, and the play follows her emotional journey as she awaits news of her last remaining son, Michael, and grapples with her own impending loss. To get involve more into the plot, we can pinpoint the key rooling of plot construction:

i. Introduction of Maurya and her daughters, Cathleen and Nora

ii. Maurya's revelation of the loss of her son, Michael

iii. Tension and conflict arise when Bartley, Maurya's last living son, decides to go to the sea despite Maurya's objections

iv. The discovery of Bartley's drowned body, confirming Maurya's fears

v. The play concludes with Maurya's acceptance of her tragic fate and her resignation to the power of the sea.

Analysis of the Plot's Passivity

One of the notable aspects of "Riders to the Sea" is its relatively passive plot, characterized by a lack of external action or dramatic events. Instead of relying on grand conflicts or elaborate plot twists, the play focuses on the day-to-day struggles and simple routines of the characters. While the external events may be minimal, the play complicates deeply into the internal struggles and emotional depth of the characters. Through their thoughts, dialogues, and actions, Synge explores the complex emotions of grief, loss, and acceptance. The characters' inner turmoil and their responses to the tragedies they face form the core of the play's narrative.

The passive plot of "Riders to the Sea", however, allows for a thorough exploration of various themes through the development of its characters. The audience witnesses the profound impact of loss on the psyche of the characters, the interplay between human beings and the relentless forces of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through the slow unfolding of the characters' experiences, Synge paints a poignant picture of the human condition.

Importance of the Passive Plot

The passive plot of "Riders to the Sea" serves to mirror the harsh reality of life on the Aran Islands. The play depicts the daily struggles and tragedies faced by the inhabitants, where external action and dramatic events are scarce. By showcasing the routine and cyclical nature of their lives, the passive plot emphasizes the relentless cycle of loss and grief that characterizes their existence. It also enables a profound exploration of grief and loss. With minimal external conflicts, the focus shifts to the internal struggles and emotional depths experienced by the characters. Through their contemplations, conversations, and reactions to their tragic circumstances, Synge delves into the profound sorrow and despair that arise from the continuous encounters with death, enhancing the emotional impact on the audience.

The passive plot also enriches the play's symbolic and poetic elements. By employing a minimalistic approach to the plot, Synge accentuates the symbolic significance of the sea and its role as a relentless force of destiny. The sea becomes a powerful metaphor for both life and death, representing the cyclical nature of existence. The passive plot also contributes to the play's poetic beauty by allowing the characters' words and emotions to take center stage, evoking a sense of melancholy and creating a profound lyrical atmosphere.

Criticisms and Interpretations of the Passive Plot

Some critics argue that the lack of external conflict in "Riders to the Sea" can be seen as a weakness. They believe that a more active plot with external events could have added tension and excitement to the play. They argue that the absence of external conflict limits the dramatic impact and engagement for the audience.

On the other hand, many interpret the passive plot of "Riders to the Sea" as a deliberate choice by Synge to emphasize the universal human experience of suffering and loss. The lack of external conflict allows the play to focus on the internal struggles and emotional depth of the characters, revealing the profound impact of grief on individuals and communities. This portrayal of the human condition resonates with audiences and highlights the enduring themes of the play.

Further the fact that the true tragic protagonist , Maurya , is a weak , tottering , doddering woman whose physical weakness finds its correlative in her lack of command or cancel the trip of Bartley , Cathleen,  Nora, as well as the fact that all the characters seem to be pawns in the hands of their Tragic destiny , has only reinforced this criticism. But just as Yeats in his preface to his '' Anthology of Modern Poetry” and Arnold in his essay “Subjects of Poetry” had pointed out, passive suffering can be the subject of tragic dramas. Synge was aware that the requisite, the signer canon of tragedy is action. This action must be manifest through the action or incidents in the plot as well as the vitality an evolution of the characters. 

From the very outset the play builds up tragic suspense through a series of apparently minor events  ----- such as the spinning of the thread which Cathleen was weaving the discussion about threw mysterious 'she', the hording or tacking of the ship and so on ----- cumulatively build up an atmosphere a an action of gigantic proportions . Nor are the characters truly passive. Bartley has the courage conviction to not only to flout the mother's request for the sake of his responsibility, but to confront the sea a hazard his life. Maurya , in her turn being as a relatively passive character , but gradually assumes control over her own life a sufferings to such an extent - that she can ultimately chiefly fate a challenge death Her physical passivity belies her true spiritual activity .. An intense emotion ferment of the mind.

Conclusion

We have examined J. M. Synge's "Riders to the Sea" and its relatively passive plot. We explored the lack of external action or dramatic events, the emphasis on internal struggles and emotional depth, and the significance of character development in conveying the play's themes. Despite criticisms, the passive plot serves to reflect the harsh reality of life on the Aran Islands, delve into the depths of grief and loss, and enhance the play's symbolic and poetic elements. Ultimately, the passive plot adds a unique and poignant dimension to "Riders to the Sea," capturing the essence of the human condition.

Ardhendu De  

References

1.Riders to the sea : Synge, J. M. (John Millington), 1871-1909 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/riderstosea00syng