Cathleen ni Houlihan: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cathleen ni Houlihan" is a one-act play that serves as a potent allegory for the struggle for Irish independence, represented through the character of Cathleen, an old woman symbolizing impoverished Ireland. She arrives in the rural setting of Killala seeking assistance to reclaim her lost fields, which stands as a metaphor for national identity and sovereignty. Central to the narrative is Michael Gillane, a young man on the brink of marriage, who is captivated by Cathleen's vision and ultimately chooses to abandon his domestic life to fight for Ireland's freedom. His transformation illustrates the theme of personal sacrifice for a greater cause.
The characters surrounding Michael, including his father Peter, mother Bridget, and younger brother Patrick, each reflect different societal values and perspectives on wealth, duty, and national loyalty. Peter is focused on the financial benefits of a dowry, while Bridget embodies the practical concerns of a mother, hoping for a secure future for her sons. Patrick acts as the voice of the community, heralding the events that unfold. Additionally, Delia Cahel, Michael's fiancée, represents the personal loss that accompanies the pursuit of national ideals, as she is ultimately overshadowed by Michael's commitment to Cathleen's cause. This play encapsulates the complex interplay between personal ambition and collective aspiration in the context of Ireland's quest for independence.
Cathleen ni Houlihan: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Butler Yeats
First published: 1902
Genre: Play
Locale: A cottage near Killala, Ireland
Plot: Allegory
Time: 1798
Cathleen ni Houlihan, “The Poor Old Woman,” who symbolizes impoverished Ireland, seeking independence from British rule. A stranger, she has come to the countryside of Killala to enlist the help of the Irish in retrieving her four stolen fields. She entrances Michael Gillane into leaving his home and joining her cause. His sacrifices and those of others transform her old age into youth. She steps from the Gillanes' door a young queen.
Michael Gillane, a young man scheduled to be married the day after he meets Cathleen ni Houlihan. His life is full of promise; he is engaged to a pretty girl whose parents have given a dowry of one hundred pounds. He rejects domestic bliss, however, to fight for Ireland. In joining the French forces against the British, he risks his life, knowing that death will bring eternal fame.
Peter Gillane, Michael's father, a farmer who is much interested in the dowry brought by his future daughter-in-law. The dowry will make it possible to buy livestock for 10 acres of their land. When he begrudgingly offers Cathleen ni Houlihan a shilling, he is amazed by her refusal, for money dominates his life.
Bridget Gillane, Peter's wife, who is angered by her husband's remark that she brought no dowry with her. A hardworking, practical woman, she wants the best for her two sons. With Michael about to be married, she begins to plan Patrick's future as a priest. Full of hospitality, Bridget directs Michael to open their door to Cathleen and bids her husband to offer the old woman money.
Patrick Gillane, the Gillanes' twelve-year-old son. He announces the events of the outside world: the approach of the old woman to their neighbors' home, the cheering that greets Cathleen ni Houlihan, the landing of the French at Killala, and their being joined by the Irish. It is Patrick who proclaims the transformation of Cathleen ni Houlihan.
Delia Cahel, the young girl Michael is to marry. She loses the struggle for Michael's affections and their life together; their love is overshadowed by his devotion to Ireland.