Riders to the Sea

Riders to the Sea Irony

Dramatic Irony: The Young Priest

The young priest's confident assertion that God will not leave Maurya without any sons is ironic first in the priest's confidence and second in that he is supposed to have the most intimate connection to God and be able to discern His will most effectively–yet his claim ends up being entirely false.

Dramatic Irony: The coffin

There is tragic irony in the coffin being originally intended for Michael and then actually being used for Bartley, who even took the rope that was going to be used to lower the coffin in the ground.

Dramatic Irony: Maurya

Throughout the play there is considerable disdain and dismissal levied at the elderly Maurya, but in the end of the text she is the one who ironically turns out to be correct regarding the dangers of the sea.

Dramatic Irony: The Horses

Tragically, and ironically, Bartley believes the horses will secure him money and security, but instead the gray pony actually leads him to his death.