The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts
by J. M. Synge (1871–1909)
- Free to read
- 1 hour to read
- 4 chapters
- Reading level: 5th grade
"The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts" by J. M. Synge is a play written in the early 20th century. This comedic drama takes place in a rural Irish setting, focusing on themes of identity, reputation, and the complexities of human behavior, revolving around the character Christy Mahon, a young man who claims to have killed his father. The opening of the play establishes a lively atmosphere in a country public house where various characters gather, including Pegeen Mike, a spirited young woman, and Shawn Keogh, her anxious admirer. As Pegeen prepares for the night, the tension is palpable with the mention of a young man in distress, which sets the stage for Christy Mahon's dramatic entrance. When Christy arrives, dirty and wearied, he initially draws suspicion and curiosity. As he shares the revelation of having killed his father, the other characters express fascination rather than horror, leading to a buoyant blend of comedy and drama as they grapple with the implications of Christy’s claim amidst their own playful banter and aspirations. This initial interaction hints at the unfolding narrative that explores societal expectations and personal aspirations in a deeply interconnected community.
Read the opening
Act I
SCENE: Country public-house or shebeen, very rough and untidy. There is a sort of counter on the right with shelves, holding many bottles and jugs, just seen above it. Empty barrels stand near the counter. At back, a little to left of counter, there is a door into the open air, then, more to the left, there is a settle with shelves above it, with more jugs, and a table beneath a window. At the left there is a large open fire-place, with turf fire, and a small door into inner room. Pegeen, a wild-looking but fine girl, of about twenty, is writing at table. She is dressed in the usual peasant dress.
PEGEEN. slowly as she writes.—Six yards of stuff for to make a yellow gown. A pair of lace boots with lengthy heels on them and brassy eyes. A hat is suited for a wedding-day. A fine tooth comb. To be sent with three barrels of porter in Jimmy Farrell’s creel cart on the evening of the coming Fair to Mister Michael James Flaherty. With the best compliments of this season. Margaret Flaherty.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts by J. M. Synge comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #1240, released 1998-03-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Humour, Plays/Films/Dramas, British Literature.
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