Who is the protagonist in the rising of the moon by Lady Gregory?

“The Rising of the Moon”: Who’s Really the Hero? It’s Complicated…

Lady Gregory’s “The Rising of the Moon” – it’s a play that really gets you thinking about what it means to be Irish, what we owe to each other, and who we truly are. Set on a misty quayside in the early 1900s, it throws us right into the middle of a dilemma: an Irish Sergeant, part of the British-run police force, is hunting down an escaped prisoner. But here’s the thing: is it that simple? Who really takes center stage in this drama?

Enter the Ragged Man – Rebel with a Song

A lot of people see this “Ragged Man,” or the Ballad Singer as he’s also known, as the main player. And you can see why! He’s the one who sets everything in motion, the catalyst. Turns out, he is the escaped prisoner, and he’s got a silver tongue. He knows how to work the Sergeant, appealing to that buried sense of Irish pride. He’s the embodiment of the rebellion, that yearning for freedom that so many felt back then. The whole play hinges on his actions, leading to that nail-biting moment when the Sergeant lets him slip away. Freedom fighter? Absolutely.

This fella isn’t just some random escapee, mind you. He’s sharp, articulate, and knows his history. He uses those old Irish songs and stories to tap into something deep within the Sergeant, reminding him of their shared roots and the dream of an independent Ireland. Sure, he’s twisting the truth a bit, playing the Sergeant like a fiddle. But in his mind, the cause justifies the means.

The Sergeant’s Struggle: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

But hold on a minute – let’s not forget about the Sergeant. While the Ragged Man sparks the flame, it’s the Sergeant who really gets burned. He’s torn between his duty to the Crown and the pull of his own Irish heart. Talk about a tough spot! He’s an Irishman wearing a British uniform, caught in a conflict that tears him apart.

At first, it seems like he’s all about the reward money – gotta feed the family, right? But as the night unfolds, as he listens to the Ragged Man’s words and music, something shifts inside him. He’s forced to face his past, to remember who he is and where he comes from. That final choice, letting the prisoner go? That’s his Irish soul winning out over his obligations. It’s a powerful moment.

So, Who’s Really the Protagonist? Maybe It Takes Two…

Here’s a thought: maybe there isn’t just one hero in this story. Maybe it’s more of a double act. The Ragged Man is the one doing, the one pushing the plot forward, fighting for his freedom. But the Sergeant? He’s the one feeling, the one wrestling with his conscience, undergoing a real transformation. Both of them are vital to understanding what this play is all about: that tug-of-war between duty and identity, the struggle to stay true to yourself.

Final Thoughts

So, who’s the real protagonist? It’s not a simple answer. The Ragged Man is the spark, the Sergeant is the tinder. Lady Gregory, in her wisdom, gives us a story where both men matter, where both contribute to the play’s lasting impact. “The Rising of the Moon” isn’t just a play about Irish nationalism; it’s a play about the human heart, about the choices we make, and the people we become. And that’s why it still resonates today.