Who is the hero of the play The Rising of the Moon?

The Real Hero of “The Rising of the Moon” Might Surprise You

Lady Gregory’s “The Rising of the Moon” isn’t just a play; it’s a masterclass in exploring Irish identity, duty, and how tangled things got between people and the powers that be back then. Set in early 20th-century Ireland, a time practically buzzing with tension between Irish nationalists and the British, it really makes you think about what being a hero really means. You might think the escaped prisoner is the obvious choice, right? But hold on, because the real hero might just be the Sergeant.

At first glance, the escaped prisoner – let’s call him the “Ragged Man,” as he’s often known – definitely seems like your typical hero. He’s on the run, hunted by the British for being part of the Irish independence movement. He’s risking everything for freedom, embodying that classic “us against them” spirit. Plus, his disguise as a ballad singer is pure genius! He uses those old songs to stir up something in the Sergeant, reminding him of their shared Irish roots and a time when he, too, felt that rebellious fire. The Ragged Man is all in for Irish independence, no matter the cost. You can’t deny his commitment.

But here’s where Lady Gregory throws a curveball. While the “Ragged Man” is important, it’s the Sergeant’s inner battle and what he chooses to do that really steals the show. The Sergeant is an Irishman working for the British – talk about a tough spot! He’s got a job to do: catch the escaped prisoner. Doing so means a nice reward and maybe even a promotion. Sounds good, right? But as the night goes on, and the “Ragged Man” starts singing those old songs, something shifts. The Sergeant remembers who he is, where he comes from, and suddenly, he’s caught between following orders and listening to his own heart.

This is where the play gets really interesting. The Sergeant represents so many Irish people back then, torn between what they had to do and what they felt was right. You have to remember, life was hard. Sticking with the British meant a steady paycheck and some security. The Sergeant’s not just dealing with a simple choice; he’s wrestling with his whole identity. At first, he’s all about catching that fugitive. But little by little, the “Ragged Man” chips away at that, reminding him of who he really is.

And then, the big moment: the Sergeant lets the “Ragged Man” go. He throws away his own chance at a better life for something bigger – a shared sense of belonging and national pride. It’s not some big, flashy act of defiance. It’s quiet, personal. He’s left wondering if he’s made the right call, if he’s been a fool. And that’s the point! Heroism isn’t always about winning or being a saint. Sometimes, it’s about making tough choices when you’re pulled in a million different directions.

So, yeah, the “Ragged Man” is the rebel we all root for. But the real hero of “The Rising of the Moon”? It’s the Sergeant, hands down. His journey – from loyal officer to a man who chooses his people over himself – that’s what makes the play so powerful. Lady Gregory nails it, showing us how complicated things were between the Irish and the English, and how hard it was for individuals to stay true to themselves. The title itself, “The Rising of the Moon,” isn’t just about some uprising; it’s about the Sergeant waking up to who he really is. And that, my friends, makes him the play’s most compelling – and perhaps most unexpected – hero.