In Shadow of the Glen By: John M. Synge (1871-1909)
In Shadow of the Glen by John M. Synge is a captivating and evocative play that takes readers on a journey through the remote Irish countryside. Set in the early 20th century, this short play explores themes of love, betrayal, and the notion of escape. The story revolves around a young woman, Nora Burke, who lives a desolate life in a crumbling cottage with her elderly husband, Dan Burke. Nora is a complex character, torn between her duty to her husband and her longing for a life filled with passion and adventure. When Nora's husband passes away unexpectedly, she sees an opportunity for a fresh start. Synge's writing beautifully captures the harshness and beauty of the Irish landscape, effectively setting the mood and atmosphere of the play. The rich descriptions allow readers to visualize the stunning cliffs and rugged terrain, making the setting an integral part of the story itself. One of the highlights of this play is the exploration of Nora's character. Through her internal struggle, Synge delves into themes of femininity and societal expectations. Nora is constantly torn between the roles she is expected to play as a wife and a woman, and her desire for freedom is both relatable and poignant. The pacing of the play is excellent, with tension building gradually as the story unfolds. Synge expertly weaves a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving readers wondering what decisions Nora will make and how her choices will impact her future. While the play is relatively short, Synge manages to create a cast of characters that are memorable and distinct. From the enigmatic traveler to the nosy neighbors, each character brings a unique element to the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. In Shadow of the Glen is not just a play about one woman's struggle for emancipation, but also a thought-provoking examination of societal norms and expectations. Synge's writing is powerful and poetic, delivering a timeless message about the importance of personal freedom and the consequences of conformity. Overall, In Shadow of the Glen is a beautifully written play that offers a glimpse into the human spirit and the desire for individuality. Synge's mastery of language and ability to create vivid characters make this play a must-read for fans of Irish literature and anyone interested in exploring the complexity of human emotions. First Page: IN THE SHADOW OF THE GLEN A PLAY IN ONE ACT By J. M. Synge First performed at the Molesworth Hall, Dublin, October 8th, 1903. PERSONS DAN BURKE (farmer and herd)... George Roberts NORA BURKE (his wife)......... Maire Nic Shiubhlaigh MICHEAL DARA (a young herd)... P. J. Kelly A TRAMP....................... W. G. Fay IN THE SHADOW OF THE GLEN A PLAY IN ONE ACT SCENE. {The last cottage at the head of a long glen in County Wicklow. Cottage kitchen; turf fire on the right; a bed near it against the wall with a body lying on it covered with a sheet. A door is at the other end of the room, with a low table near it, and stools, or wooden chairs. There are a couple of glasses on the table, and a bottle of whisky, as if for a wake, with two cups, a teapot, and a home made cake. There is another small door near the bed. Nora Burke is moving about the room, settling a few things, and lighting candles on the table, looking now and then at the bed with an uneasy look. Some one knocks softly at the door. She takes up a stocking with money from the table and puts it in her pocket. Then she opens the door.} TRAMP {Outside.} Good evening to you, lady of the house. NORA Good evening, kindly stranger, it's a wild night, God help you, to be out in the rain falling... Continue reading book >>

In Shadow of the Glen By: John M. Synge (1871-1909)

In Shadow of the Glen by John M. Synge is a captivating and evocative play that takes readers on a journey through the remote Irish countryside. Set in the early 20th century, this short play explores themes of love, betrayal, and the notion of escape.

The story revolves around a young woman, Nora Burke, who lives a desolate life in a crumbling cottage with her elderly husband, Dan Burke. Nora is a complex character, torn between her duty to her husband and her longing for a life filled with passion and adventure. When Nora's husband passes away unexpectedly, she sees an opportunity for a fresh start.

Synge's writing beautifully captures the harshness and beauty of the Irish landscape, effectively setting the mood and atmosphere of the play. The rich descriptions allow readers to visualize the stunning cliffs and rugged terrain, making the setting an integral part of the story itself.

One of the highlights of this play is the exploration of Nora's character. Through her internal struggle, Synge delves into themes of femininity and societal expectations. Nora is constantly torn between the roles she is expected to play as a wife and a woman, and her desire for freedom is both relatable and poignant.

The pacing of the play is excellent, with tension building gradually as the story unfolds. Synge expertly weaves a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving readers wondering what decisions Nora will make and how her choices will impact her future.

While the play is relatively short, Synge manages to create a cast of characters that are memorable and distinct. From the enigmatic traveler to the nosy neighbors, each character brings a unique element to the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

In Shadow of the Glen is not just a play about one woman's struggle for emancipation, but also a thought-provoking examination of societal norms and expectations. Synge's writing is powerful and poetic, delivering a timeless message about the importance of personal freedom and the consequences of conformity.

Overall, In Shadow of the Glen is a beautifully written play that offers a glimpse into the human spirit and the desire for individuality. Synge's mastery of language and ability to create vivid characters make this play a must-read for fans of Irish literature and anyone interested in exploring the complexity of human emotions.

First Page:

IN THE SHADOW OF THE GLEN

A PLAY IN ONE ACT

By J. M. Synge

First performed at the Molesworth Hall, Dublin, October 8th, 1903.

PERSONS

DAN BURKE (farmer and herd)... George Roberts NORA BURKE (his wife)......... Maire Nic Shiubhlaigh MICHEAL DARA (a young herd)... P. J. Kelly A TRAMP....................... W. G. Fay

IN THE SHADOW OF THE GLEN

A PLAY IN ONE ACT

SCENE. {The last cottage at the head of a long glen in County Wicklow.

Cottage kitchen; turf fire on the right; a bed near it against the wall with a body lying on it covered with a sheet. A door is at the other end of the room, with a low table near it, and stools, or wooden chairs. There are a couple of glasses on the table, and a bottle of whisky, as if for a wake, with two cups, a teapot, and a home made cake. There is another small door near the bed. Nora Burke is moving about the room, settling a few things, and lighting candles on the table, looking now and then at the bed with an uneasy look. Some one knocks softly at the door. She takes up a stocking with money from the table and puts it in her pocket. Then she opens the door.}

TRAMP {Outside.} Good evening to you, lady of the house.

NORA

Good evening, kindly stranger, it's a wild night, God help you, to be out in the rain falling... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Play

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Wikipedia – John M. Synge
Wikipedia – In Shadow of the Glen

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