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‘Juno and the Paycock’

‘Juno and the Paycock’. Sean O’Casey. Background to the play.

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‘Juno and the Paycock’

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  1. ‘Juno and the Paycock’ Sean O’Casey

  2. Background to the play ‘Juno and the Paycock’ is set in the 1920’s during the Irish Civil War between the Republicans (Diehards), who wanted a united Ireland, and the Free Staters, who were happy with Ireland being split in two. The Free Staters accepted the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, which established the Free State of the 26 counties. Six counties remained under British rule and this was known as Northern Ireland. This Civil War lasted until 1923 and was bloody and terrible. Families and neighbours fought against each other and many lost their lives. This situation is reflected in the play and its pointlessness is highlighted through the characters. This futility is made all the more poignant through references to past romantic heroes and glorious episodes in Ireland’s past.

  3. (They all share just two rooms) Johnny: ’Can’t you do it then, without letting the whole house know you’re taking off your trousers.’ Setting Mrs Boyle: He wore out the Health Insurance long ago, he’s afther wearin’ out the unemployment dole, From the opening sentence of the play, an impression is formed of the family’s living conditions. These ideas are supported further on in Act 1 Scene 1 ‘The living-room of a two-room tenancy occupied by the Boyle family in a tenement house in Dublin’ Poverty Cramped living conditions Irish historical background Lacks privacy Various references to the fighting, Diehards, the Free State etc. Johnny: ‘Oul’ Simon Mackay is Thrampin’ about like a horse over me head,’

  4. Setting ‘Between the window and the dresser is a picture of the virgin; below the picture, on a bracket, is a crimson bowl in which a floating votive light is burning’ Idea of religion introduced Mary: “The full details are in it this mornin’; seven wounds he had-one entherin’ the neck, with an exit wound beneath the left shoulder blade; another in the left breast penethratin’ the heart, an’..” Idea of Violence introduced

  5. Plot • Four main strands are introduced in Act 1 and develop throughout the play • Johnny and his involvements with the diehards • Mary and her relationship with Bentham • The Will • Juno and Boyle’s relationship

  6. Characters • Juno • Boyle • Mary • Johnny • Minor characters • Bentham • Joxer • Jerry • Mrs Tancred

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