as a Sinister Force The sea is personified in a way that gives it a mystical and powerful presence The constant threat of the sea which has claimed the lives of several family members adds a sense of inevitability and a touch of the supernatural to the overall atmosphere The symbolism of the Red Mare The red mare that is mentioned in the play is considered by Maurya as a bad omen Its appearance is associated with the imminent death of her son Bartley Maurya says Bartley came first on the red mare and I tried to say God speed you but something choked the words in my throat The Title of the Play The title of the play itself has a smell of supernaturalism It refers to two riders Bartley who is alive and Michael who is dead Overall Riders to the Sea focuses more on the harsh realities of life in an island community and the tragic consequences of the sea on the characters' lives The supernatural elements enhance the play's fatalistic and tragic atmosphere