Riders to the Sea
by J. M. Synge

Riders to the Sea: Genre 1 key example

Genre
Explanation and Analysis:

Riders to the Sea is a one-act play that falls into the theatrical category of tragedy. The tragedy is present from the beginning of the story through the end as readers learn that Maurya’s son Michael is missing at sea, only to find out that he has, in fact, drowned, as has almost every other man in her family (including her husband, father-in-law, and several other sons). The tragedy only increases as Maurya's remaining son Bartley disregards her orders to stay home on a stormy day and ultimately perishes at sea as well.