Riders to the Sea

“NORA. ‘I won’t stop him [Bartley],’ says he, ‘but let you not be afraid. Herself does be saying prayers half through the night, and the almighty God won’t leave her destitute,’ says he, ‘with no son living.’”

This moment is significant because of its foreshadowing of Bartley’s death. It is also notable for the priest’s assertion that their Christian god would not leave Maurya destitute—a belief proven untrue by Bartley’s death. The priest thematically introduces The Contrast Between Christianity and Pagan Mysticism, referencing one of two spiritual influences present in this family and the island at large.

“MAURYA. […] what is the price of a thousand horses against a son where there is one son only?”

Maurya here pushes against the financial need that drives Bartley to the sea. She has learned, after losing many sons, her husband, and a father-in-law, that life is more valuable, despite their reliance on the sea for their economic welfare. Maurya thus fights back against an established system, unable to overcome the cultural necessity that drives their community.

“MAURYA (turning round to the fire, and putting her shawl over her head). Isn’t it a hard and cruel man to be going on the sea, and who would listen to an old woman with one thing and she saying it over?”

Maurya refuses to listen to Bartley’s logic about selling the horse, just as Bartley ignores her worries and cries for him to stay home. Maurya’s pain and worry is clear in these moments, foreshadowing the additional losses she will experience.