Or, within the classical setting, “Riders to the Sea” by Synge is a modern tragedy. Justify. [NU. 2017, 2021] ★★★

1. M. Synge’s (1871-1909) “Riders to the Sea” (1904) is a perfect example of a modern tragedy set in a classical setting. This one-act tragedy portrays the tragic fate of an old woman, Maurya, living on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. Maurya has lost her husband, father-in-law, and most of her sons to the sea. It is a modern tragedy because it captures the struggle and helplessness of the poor islanders against the all-devouring sea. Synge also combines classical elements like the role of fate/destiny controlled by the sea, the presence of chorus, and catharsis.

The Tragic Hero: Maurya, the central character, is a tragic figure in the classical sense. Like the heroes in Greek tragedies, she is a person of deep emotions and suffering. She endures the loss of her husband, father-in-law, and six sons. By the end of the play, even her last son, Bartley, is taken by the sea. Maurya’s struggles against forces she cannot control make her a classical tragic character.

The Role of Fate: In classical tragedies, fate plays a major role, and “Riders to the Sea” is no different. The sea acts as a symbol of fate. The poor islanders cannot escape the sea. They must go to sea for fishing or trading, otherwise, the families would starve. Bartley must cross the sea in bad weather to sell his horse and support his family. Bartley explains he must go, as no boats will go in two weeks or more. Bartley says:

“This is the one boat going for two weeks or beyond it.”

Presence of Chorus: Cathleen, Nora, and the old women and neighbors in the play act like the chorus in Greek tragedies. They witness and comment on the events. Cathleen and Nora provide background information. The audience knows from their discussion that Michael has been missing for nine days. Again, Nora forshadows impending danger, like a chorus. Nora says:

“God help us. There's a great roaring in the west.”

Catharsis: Like classical tragedies, the play evokes pity and fear among the audience. The audience feels pity for Maurya’s relentless suffering and fear of the sea’s overwhelming power. By the end of the play, when Maurya accepts her losses and resigns herself to fate, the audience experiences catharsis—a cleansing of emotions. Maurya says:

“No man at all can be living for ever, and we must be satisfied.”

Unlike classical tragedies that focus on kings or nobles, “Riders to the Sea” portrays ordinary people. Maurya is not a queen or a noblewoman, but a simple mother trying to survive in a harsh environment. This focus on the struggle of the poor islanders makes the play a powerful modern tragedy.

Moreover, the language is simple, and the concerns are practical—Bartley must sell horses to bring money home, or the family will starve. This realism grounds the story in real life, rather than myth. Also, the style of short, one-act play suits modern drama.

Universal Themes: Despite being set in a specific place and time, “Riders to the Sea” deals with universal themes like grief, death, and acceptance. These universal themes make the play a classical modern tragedy.

In conclusion, “Riders to the Sea” is a modern tragedy because it focuses on the struggles of ordinary people in a realistic setting. At the same time, it has classical elements like fate, a tragic hero, and the presence of the chorus.