Marriage as a Choice: A Study in J. M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World

Abstract

The Playboy of the Western World is about the conflict between Pegeen Mike and her relation to some male characters such as Shawn Keogh, Christy, her father Michael James, etc. Through the research work, the researcher proves that a girl who does not want to submit herself to the person, who does not respect her, highlights women’s freedom and choices in marriage. In the beginning, Pegeen does not realize this but later as she knows about the people how they treat her. Pegeen thinks that she should be protected as her father asks Shawn to be with her in the pub. Moreover, modern feminism is unlike traditional feminism in which it focuses on the humanity as a basic given fact of life as well. Women are humans, so they enjoy equal human rights/feelings like respect and love. In the name of reserving their rights, if they forget their humanist manner, then it can be destructive.

The play presents Pegeen as a weak girl in the beginning who needs someone to protect her, slowly she understands how she is kept under illusion that she is weak. And she emboldens her position. First Shawn gives her hint that he cannot stay together with her during the night because of religious restrictions. She then transfers to Christy Mahon and praises him until she knows his reality. Then she hates him calling him a playboy of the western world. At last, she realizes that women should define themselves not allow anyone to define them, opening the way to define their own position in society.