A Traumatic Reading of Maurya's Passivity in Synge's Riders to the Sea

Abstract

Abstract:This essay gives a traumatic reading of Maurya's passivity. Traumatized by her sons' deaths, Maurya develops PTSD symptoms including hyperarousal, intrusion, and constriction, and through keening she moves towards a recovery. Synge's deft use of symbols, repetition, and imagery to stage trauma makes Riders a precursor to later trauma plays.