The Rising of The Moon” is a one-act play, based on Patriotism. Lady Gregory wrote a book titled “Seven Short Plays” in 1909 and her play “The Rising of The Moon” was added in that book. It is highly philosophical, hence, universal in nature but at the same time it shows the struggle of people for freedom. Overall, "The Rising of the Moon" remains a powerful and thought-provoking play that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its exploration of timeless themes and universal conflicts ensure that it will remain a relevant piece of literature for years to come.

1. “The Rising of The Moon”
by
Lady Gregory

2. BACKGROUND
 “The Rising of The Moon” is a one-act play, based on Patriotism.
 Lady Gregory wrote a book titled “Seven Short Plays” in 1909 and her play
“The Rising of The Moon” was added in that book.
 She wrote this play in 1904 but it was not produced until 1907. Lady Gregory
shows political pressure on Irishmen in her play “The Rising of the Moon”.
 . The play is obviously a political play about the relationship between England
and Ireland as they struggle for independence from English authority. The
English have had a long history of dominance over Ireland.
 The idea of being a citizen of a country trumps feelings of responsibility to a
foreign nation.
 Lady Gregory also demonstrates the doomed fate of the people of Ireland. All
in all the play shows dominance of England over Irishmen.
 It is highly philosophical, hence, universal in nature but at the same time it
shows the struggle of people for freedom.

3. POLITICAL THOUGHT
 Through this play, Gregory had desired to convey her message that ‘’every
Irishman should raise his or her voice against the tyrant British government.’’
She also thought that this revolutionary vision of the political independence
couldn't be achieved if there was no national unity, broader Irish unity.
 In the 12th century, England invaded Ireland, and English rule in Ireland
followed shortly after.
 King Henry II invaded Ireland to establish control and English rule in Ireland.
 Ireland people lived as part of the English, and then British, Empire for over
700 years. The Normans first conquered Ireland in 1169 and aside from a
brief decade of independence during the 1640s Ireland formed an integral
part of the English imperial system.
 Most of Ireland gained independence from Great Britain following the Anglo-
Irish War.
 Initially formed as a Dominion called the Irish Free State in 1922, the Republic
of Ireland became a fully independent republic following the passage of the
Republic of Ireland Act in 1949.

4. CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
Sergeant
he is irresponsible but brave policeman. Furthermore, he is easily fooled and
he really seeks for acknowledgment.
KIND ;
 from the role in the story; sergeant is a major character, because is role is
dominant in the story. Form the beginning until the end of the story, it is
talking about his conflict.
 From the personal traits; sergeant is round character. In this story he
knows his good and bad side. The good side is when he hides and let the man
go. While the bad side is he lies to the policemen B and X.
 From the possibility to change; he is a dynamic character. At the beginning
he seems really consistent that he want to arrest the man but at the end he
let the man go.

5. CHARACTERS
The Man
He is brave man because he can escape from the jail and he is a smart and
manipulative because he can deceive the sergeant well.
KIND ;
 From the role of the story; the man is major character. From the beginning until
the end of the story, it is talking about his conflict with the sergeant.
 from the personal traits; he is flat character. From the beginning until the ends,
his personalities remain the same. Because the story only emphasizes his ability
to deceive the sergeant from the beginning until the end of the story.

6. CHARACTERS Policeman B
He is an obedient policeman because he obey whatever the sergeant say.
Moreover, he is care about the Sergeant when he suggests the sergeant to accept
the lantern when he left him.
 From the role of the story; he is a minor character. Because his role in this story is
not dominant.
 From the personal traits; he is Flat character. His characterization is simple,
because the characterization of him is obedient.
 From the possibility to change; he is Simple character. Because from the
beginning until the end of the story he keeps obey the Sergeant's commands.
Policeman X
He is an obedient man and he really respects the Sergeant.
 From the role of the story; he is a minor character. Because his role in this story is
not dominant.
 From the personal traits; he is flat character. His characterization is simple,
because the characterization of him is obedient.
 From the possibility to change; he is Simple character. Because from the
beginning until the end of the story he keeps obey the Sergeant's commands.

7. LITERARY DEVICES
Some literary devices used in the play include:
 Symbolism: The moon rising symbolizes hope and freedom, as it illuminates the
dark night and guides people towards a better future.
 Irony: The police sergeant who is supposed to uphold the law is revealed to be
corrupt, while the prisoner who is supposed to be a criminal turns out to be a hero
fighting for freedom.
 Foreshadowing: The conversation between the police sergeant and the ballad-
singer foreshadows the arrival of the prisoner who is disguised as a ballad-singer.
 Dialogue: The dialogue between the characters reveals their personalities and
motivations, and drives the plot forward.
 Imagery: Lady Gregory uses vivid descriptions of the moon, the sea, and the
landscape to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
 Setting: The play is set against the backdrop of a dark and eerie night, which
heightens the tension and suspense of the story.
 Theme: The play explores themes of freedom, justice, and patriotism, as the
characters struggle to assert their rights and fight against oppression.
 Characterization: The characters are well-drawn and complex, with their own
unique personalities, quirks, and flaws, which make them feel like real people.

8. THEME
The play revolves around three characters: a Sergeant, a Ragged Man, and a Ballad
Singer.
The Sergeant is a member of the British occupation force in Ireland, tasked with
capturing a renowned Irish rebel known as the “The Man" and preventing him from
escaping to America. The Ragged Man, who is seeking refuge from the Sergeant,
turns out to be the the man himself, and the Ballad Singer provides a voice for the
people's desire for freedom and independence.
The play's theme centers around the conflicting loyalties of the characters,
particularly the Sergeant, who is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his
sympathy for the oppressed Irish people. Through the interactions of the characters,
the play highlights the struggle for Irish independence and the complex relationship
between Ireland and its colonial occupiers. Ultimately, the play suggests that the
desire for freedom and independence cannot be easily suppressed, and that even
those who appear to be loyal to the occupying force may secretly support the cause
of independence

9. RELATION OF THE STORY IN
PRESENT TIME

10.  The play is set in Ireland during the early 20th century and depicts the story of
a policeman who is torn between his loyalty to the British authorities and his
sympathy for the Irish rebels. While the play is set in a specific historical context, it
deals with themes that are still relevant today, such as nationalism, identity, and the
struggle for freedom.
 One way to relate the play to the present time is to consider the ongoing
conflicts between different groups around the world. The play explores the tension
between the British and Irish, but the same dynamic can be seen in many other
contexts, such as between Israelis and Palestinians, or between different political
factions within a country. In each case, there are competing claims to power and
authority, and individuals must choose where their loyalties lie.
 Another way to relate the play to the present time is to consider the role of law
enforcement in society. The play raises important questions about the
responsibilities of police officers, and the balance between maintaining order and
protecting individual rights. In the present day, these issues are still highly relevant,
as there are ongoing debates about police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of
force.
 Overall, "The Rising of the Moon" remains a powerful and thought-provoking
play that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its exploration of timeless
themes and universal conflicts ensure that it will remain a relevant piece of literature

11. THANKYOU