Genre
Drama, Allegory, Political
Language
English
Setting and Context
The play is set in the Gillane household, in Killala
Narrator and Point of View
No narrator
Tone and Mood
Earthy, naturalistic, folksy, fable-esque, mythical, portentous
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist is Michael, no antagonist
Major Conflict
The conflict is Michael's inner conflict between going through with his marriage to Delia and his desire to defend Ireland by joining Cathleen ni Houlihan's cause.
Climax
The climax occurs when it becomes clear that Michael will join the army and leave his fiancée behind.
Foreshadowing
When the Old Woman speaks of the many lovers that have sacrificed themselves for her, it becomes apparent Michael is destined for the same fate.
Understatement
The metaphors that the Old Woman uses to describe English colonialism are a kind of understatement.
Allusions
The play is an allusion to Irish folklore.
Imagery
The image of the dowry, of Cathleen, of Delia begging Michael not to go.
Paradox
Parallelism
Personification
Cathleen ni Houlihan is the personification of Irish nationalism.
Use of Dramatic Devices
Having the Old Woman exit the stage, only to transform into a young woman with the bearing of a queen, adds to the supernatural element of the play.
