43 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
68
Play • Fiction
Village, Ireland • Early 1900s
1907
Adult
18+ years
The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge is set in early 1900s County Mayo, Ireland, where young Christy Mahon arrives at a bar claiming to have killed his father. The local community quickly admires him, including the barmaid Pegeen Mike and the Widow Quin, leading to tension and rivalry. As Christy's tale unravels, his true nature and the thin line between reality and bravado become starkly evident.
Humorous
Mysterious
Playful
Synge's The Playboy of the Western World draws acclaim for its lyrical language and rich depiction of Irish rural life. However, some critics find the plot controversial and characters exaggerated. The play's humor and vivid dialogue are widely celebrated, though its initial reception was marked by significant public uproar and mixed reactions.
Ideal for fans of comedic drama and Irish literature, readers who enjoy The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge are likely to appreciate rich dialects, folklore, and the examination of rural life. Similar works include J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea and Brendan Behan's The Quare Fellow.
Old Mahon
Christy's father, who has his own penchant for spinning tales, and whose unexpected presence adds complexity to Christy's stories.
Michael James Flaherty
The jovial owner of the bar and father to Pegeen Mike, he is central to the play's setting and is initially swayed by Christy's allure.
Margaret Flaherty (Pegeen Mike)
A spirited and fiery young woman, daughter of Michael James, who becomes romantically interested in Christy and embodies both strength and tenderness.
Shawn Keogh
Pegeen Mike's timid and devout fiancé, who serves as a foil to Christy and represents piety and restraint.
Widow Quin
A middle-aged widow known for her talkative nature and cunning, she is a humorous character who seeks her own advantage amidst the unfolding drama.
68
Play • Fiction
Village, Ireland • Early 1900s
1907
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.