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43 pages 1 hour read

The Playboy of the Western World

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1907

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Book Brief

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John Millington Synge

The Playboy of the Western World

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1907
Book Details
Pages

68

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Village, Ireland • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1907

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Playboy of the Western World?

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.

Character List

Christopher Mahon (Christy)

The protagonist, often referred to as the "playboy," is a young man who captivates the villagers with his tales and undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative.

Christy's father, who has his own penchant for spinning tales, and whose unexpected presence adds complexity to Christy's stories.

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.

A spirited and fiery young woman, daughter of Michael James, who becomes romantically interested in Christy and embodies both strength and tenderness.

Pegeen Mike's timid and devout fiancé, who serves as a foil to Christy and represents piety and restraint.

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.

Book Details
Pages

68

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Village, Ireland • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1907

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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