The role of Women in Ireland in the early 20th century

The role of Women in Ireland in the early 20th century as reflected in Irish literature time
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The role of women in 20th century Ireland cannot be separated from the political situation affecting Irish citizens at the time. The British influence was on the decline with minority Protestants favoring continued British rule, but the majority Catholic population favored cutting ties with the British rule. Nonetheless, there were pockets of Protestants who were in favor of Irish nationalism and independence, but the portrayal of women in theater, plays, and books differed among the authors and writers. Ireland was largely a patriarchal society, and although Irish and Anglo Irish women had different experiences, they all tried to have a bigger role in the society. Although, the urban and rural areas had different lifestyles, women were treated like second-class citizens with fewer rights. This paper explores the role of Irish women in the society during the 20th century through comparing their representation in that era’s literature.
In The playboy of the Western World, Synge depicts contentious images of both men and women in 20th century Ireland. The play explores female sexuality and violence, Synge points out that both women, and men were prone to violent tendencies in Ireland. Christy Mahon main protagonist of the play stated that he had committed patricide based on his mistaken belief and this surprisingly makes him powerful in the eyes of locals. The local pub owner’s daughter Pegeen is also one of the people surprised by Mahon’s word, but she is also shown as amoral having being unfriendly with Widow Quinn over Christy Mahon although she was engaged. In The Plough and the Stars, women do not take matters into their hands and are only reactionary, as shown by Nora’s decision to move away from her house after Dublin is engulfed in revolution. The revolt is seen through the eyes of Nora, and O’Casey (2001) is on fact mocking those who support war efforts.
Synge did not represent the stereotypical woman in the The playboy of the Western World. This is represented by Pegeen who appears to be rebellious against the ideals defining feminine characteristics. This is apparent, as she is independent unlike what was expected of women during this era. Furthermore, Peegen seems to hold more power in her relationship with Shawn, and Shawn is afraid of being jilted by Peegen (Synge, 1993). In a Portrait of the Artist as a young man, Joyce (2001) presents two different types of women. Virtuous women like Stephen’s mother and friend are Catholic, but Stephen presents Protestant women as something of a mystery and less virtuous, as if they are prostitutes whom Stephen visits. Thus, the role of women in Ireland during the 20 century can be seen as moving away from traditional way of women waiting for men to take the lead, but there were hints of conservative ideals based ...