Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Playboy of the Western World

How does the perception of truth affect love?
Perception vs reality, truth, and love are all primary themes of this play. Connecting to one question we disscussed in class, who or what drives this play?, Christy Mahon's desire for love seems to be a force. Due to this desire and absence of love in his life, whether from his father or unknown past, Christy is compelled to create a persona in which to live through as he encounters a new town. This mask covering his true self becomes his truth that he presents to the townspeople in hopes of receiving love. In response to this, the towns people, especially Pegeen and Widow Quin, are swept into a frenzied love and obsession of Christy. Surprised at this sudden turn of events, Christy remarks, "It's great luck and company I've won me in the end of time-two fine women fighting for the likes of me-till I'm thinking this night wasn't I a foolish fellow not to kill my father in the years gone by" (Synge 63). Pegeen and the Widow Quin perceive Christy to be a man of unparallel with bravery, a mysterious past, and a desirable dispositon and show this by constantly giving him the attention he has previously been deprived of and the declaration of love he desires. These observably successful events are soon destroyed because they are built on foundations of perceptions rather than truth. As Christy's persona falls apart at the arrival of his not dead father, Pegeen is the first to turn her back against Christy. Confused Christy questions Pegeen, " You've seen my doings this day...for why would you be in such a scorch of haste to spur me to destruction now?" (Synge 103) In Christy's case in this play, his reception of love, acceptance, and worthiness are directly tied to the perception of truth, first in a positve way for Christy, followed by its quick removal.

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