2. The Importance of Language in Riders to the Sea

The Importance of Language in Riders to the Sea
The language of Riders to the Sea is notable for its economy and power. Synge himself spent time listening to and recording the distinctive speech patterns of the Aran Islands before writing the play. The rhythm of the play is defined by the rhythms of speech, which give the play a clear sense of place, time, and community.
The characters unusual turns of phrase (for instance, The young priest is after bringing them, to mean The young priest brought them ) can seem strange to the modern reader. They would have seemed just as strange to audiences in 1904 Dublin and London. The language of Riders to the Sea belongs specifically to the fishing communities of the Aran Islands. Synge transforms it.
Homely details add to the realism of the play. Simple words are used repeatedly, like they might be in fairy tales. When Bartley is looking for a piece of rope, Cathleen says Give it to him, Nora; it s on a nail by the white boards. I hung it up this morning, for the pig with the black feet was eating it. The symbolic use of color is also typical for the play. Significantly, the necessary rope is hung up by the white boards that will be used for Bartley s coffin.
Words often have double meanings, as well. When, for instance, Cathleen laments It s destroyed he ll be, surely, she means that Bartley will be hungry; but the words can also be read as a prophecy of his death.