Scribd
Upload
103 views3 pages

Notes The Rising of The Moon

Uploaded by

emfatima25
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
103 views3 pages

Notes The Rising of The Moon

Uploaded by

emfatima25
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

NOTES

The Rising Of The Moon


By Lady Gregory

1. Write a short summary of “The Rising Of The Moon” By Lady Gregory.


"The Rising of the Moon" is a one-act play written by Lady Gregory, an Irish
playwright, in 1907. This play is set in Ireland during a time when the country
was under British colonial rule, and it explores themes of patriotism, identity, and
the struggle for Irish independence.
On a moonlit night, three Irish policemen gathered at the quayside in a
small, seaport town. Ireland was under British rule and the policemen were in the
service of the British government. They put up posters for an escaped prisoner
who was fighting for Irish independence. Convinced that the escaped rebel might
creep to the water's edge to be rescued by sea, they all hoped to capture him for
the hundred-pound reward and a potential promotion.
When the head policeman, the Sergeant, is left alone, he talks to a ragged
man who claims to be a ballad singer. They discuss the past and how the Sergeant
once thought about rebelling against the British. Surprisingly, the ragged man
turns out to be the escaped prisoner they're looking for. Even though he could get
a reward, the Sergeant decides to let the prisoner go. This is because their talk
reminded him of his own past and his feelings for Irish independence.
The play's name, "The Rising of the Moon," comes from an old Irish song
about a battle in 1798 during the fight for independence. The play explores how
people make difficult choices when they're torn between their beliefs and personal
gain.

2. Is the title of the play " The Rising of the Moon" justified?
The title of Lady Gregory's play, "The Rising of the Moon," is profoundly
justified in its contextual significance and thematic depth. This one-act play, set
in early 20th-century Ireland, explores the struggle for Irish independence during
British colonial rule. The title symbolizes several key elements of the play:
1. Historical Reference: The title is derived from an old Irish ballad that
recalls a significant battle during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This
reference connects the play to Ireland's history of resistance against British
rule, emphasizing the long-standing struggle for freedom.
2. Symbol of Hope and Renewal: The "rising" in the title conveys a sense
of hope and renewal. It symbolizes the collective spirit of the Irish people,
their aspiration for a better future, and their determination to break free
from British oppression. It suggests that, like the moon, Irish independence
can have its moments of ascent and triumph.
3. Emotional Resonance: Throughout the play, the characters deal with their
allegiances and beliefs, making deeply personal and emotional choices.
The moon's rise is metaphorically aligned with the characters' inner
transformations and the rekindling of their patriotic fervor.
4. Central Theme of Independence: The play's central theme revolves
around the desire for Irish independence. The title, "The Rising of the
Moon," encapsulates this theme succinctly, drawing attention to the
overarching struggle and aspirations of the Irish people.
In conclusion, the title "The Rising of the Moon" is rich in symbolism and
significance. It encapsulates the historical, emotional, and thematic elements of
the play, making it a fitting and evocative choice that captures the essence of the
Irish quest for independence.

3. What is the conflict at the center of the play? Does it have any
contemporary relevance?
The central conflict in Lady Gregory's "The Rising of the Moon" revolves around
the inner struggle of the characters, particularly the Sergeant, who is torn between
loyalty to the British authorities and his latent patriotic feelings for Irish
independence. The Sergeant, a representative of British rule in Ireland, deals with
his own history and regrets regarding missed opportunities for rebellion during
his youth. When he encounters the escaped rebel, who is disguised as a ballad
singer, it brings to the forefront his internal conflict between duty and personal
convictions. Ultimately, he chooses to let the prisoner escape, prioritizing his
Irish identity over his British service.
This conflict resonates with contemporary relevance, as it touches on the
universal theme of individual conscience versus societal expectations and
governmental authority. In many regions and contexts today, people deal with
similar moral dilemmas, choosing between adhering to the established order and
standing up for their deeply-held beliefs. It's a timeless question of whether to
conform to societal norms or take a principled stance for justice and
independence. In this sense, the play's conflict retains its relevance in modern
times, making it a thought-provoking exploration of personal integrity and the
struggle for self-determination.
4. The terms "round" and "flat" are used to describe characters. Which
character in the play can be labelled as flat and which as round?
In "The Rising of the Moon," the Sergeant is a "round" character, and the ragged
man is a "flat" character.
The "round" character in the play is the Sergeant. He is a complex figure who
undergoes a significant internal transformation throughout the story. Initially
portrayed as a loyal servant of British rule in Ireland, the Sergeant deals with his
past, personal beliefs, and feelings of nostalgia. His inner conflict and ultimate
decision to let the escaped rebel go, despite the potential rewards, reflect his
complex and evolving character.
On the other hand, the "flat" character in the play is the ragged man (the escaped
rebel). His role is relatively one-dimensional, primarily serving as a
representation of the Irish rebel cause without a deep exploration of his
personality or character development. From the beginning until the end, his
personality remains the same because the story only emphasizes his ability to
deceive the Sergeant. His character functions more as a symbol of the broader
struggle for Irish independence in the play's context.

5. Is this a propaganda play? Justify your point of view.


"The Rising of the Moon" by Lady Gregory is not primarily a propaganda play
but rather a work that delves into the complexities of personal and political
allegiances during a period of British colonial rule in Ireland. While it does have
strong nationalist and patriotic undertones, the play's primary focus is on the
moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly the Sergeant, who deals with
his loyalty to British authority and his latent Irish identity.
The play doesn't seek to present a one-sided or overtly biased narrative.
Instead, it portrays the internal conflict and transformation of the Sergeant,
highlighting the universal theme of an individual's ethical struggle against
societal expectations. This complexity makes it a work of literature that explores
personal integrity, rather than serving as overt propaganda.
However, like many works with political or nationalistic themes, it can be
interpreted and used as a source of inspiration or support for certain viewpoints,
depending on the perspective of the reader. But at its core, the play's focus is on
the human elements of identity and conscience rather than strictly propagandistic
intent.

You might also like