4.2 The Rising
of the Moon
1. Quay - a platform lying alongside
or projecting into water for loading and unloading of ships.
2. Gaol - jail.
3. Placard - a sign for public
display, either posted on the wall or carried during a demonstration.
4. Kelp - a large brown seaweed
that typically has long, tough stalks.
5. Lonesome - lonely, without
any company.
6. Assize - the court which sat
at intervals in each country of England and Wales to administer the civil and criminal
law.
7. Tunic - a loose garment.
8. Pike - an infantry weapon
with a pointed steel or iron head on a long wooden shaft.
9. Moonlight - the light from
the moon.
10. Pastepot - a container used
for holding paste or glue.
11. Ballad-singer - a person who
sings or recites ballads, narrative songs or poems.
12. Pastepot - a container for
holding paste or glue.
13. Ragged - tattered or torn in
appearance, shabby.
14. Oars - long, wooden poles
with flat blades used to row a boat.
15. Plaid - a pattern of stripes
or checks, especially one used to identify a Scottish clan.
16. Matron - a woman in charge
of a domestic or charitable institution.
17. Plain clothes - ordinary
civilian clothing worn by a police officer, detective, or other official while
not on duty.
18. Bogwood - wood found in peat
bogs, often preserved and used for fuel or crafts.
19. Foil - a character who
contrasts with another character, highlighting certain traits or qualities.
20. Rebellion - an act of
violent or open resistance against authority or government.
Main characters
1. Sergeant: The Sergeant is a
police officer and the central character of the play. He is older than the
other policemen and is portrayed as a dedicated and dutiful law enforcer. He
takes his job seriously and is determined to catch the wanted criminal who has
escaped from jail. Despite facing temptation and persuasion from the
ballad-singer, he remains loyal to his duty and the law. Throughout the play,
he struggles with inner conflict as he contemplates the choices he made in his
youth and the possibility that he might have been on the opposite side of the
law.
2. Ballad-singer (Jimmy Walsh):
The ballad-singer is a poor man who appears on the quay trying to sell ballads
to sailors. He is depicted as a sympathetic and empathetic character. He
recognizes the wanted criminal and tries to convince the Sergeant not to arrest
him. He emphasizes the complexities of life and how circumstances can lead
people down different paths. Through his words and songs, he challenges the
Sergeant's perspective and evokes emotions related to their shared past. He
represents the common man and serves as a foil to the law enforcement
perspective embodied by the Sergeant.
Summary of the PLAY:
"The
Rising of the Moon" is a one-act play set on a quay in a seaport town.
Three policemen are on duty, posting notices about a wanted criminal. The
Sergeant, the oldest of the policemen, suspects the criminal might try to
escape by boat and is determined to catch him. A ragged ballad-singer appears
and engages the Sergeant in conversation. The ballad-singer knows the criminal
and tries to persuade the Sergeant not to arrest him, implying that the
Sergeant might have been on the other side in his youth.
Despite
the ballad-singer's persuasive words, the Sergeant remains loyal to his duty as
a policeman. As they talk, the criminal arrives disguised as a ballad-singer.
The Sergeant is initially fooled but soon realizes the truth. When the other
two policemen return, the Sergeant dismisses them, claiming he wants to be
alone. He hides the criminal behind a barrel and refuses the lantern they
offer. After the other policemen leave, the criminal reveals himself and thanks
the Sergeant for unknowingly aiding him in his escape. The play ends with the
criminal leaving, and the Sergeant reflecting on his actions and the situation
he finds himself in.
"The
Rising of the Moon" is a compelling drama that delves into the inner
conflict of the Sergeant, who finds himself torn between his duty as a law
enforcer and his sympathy for the wanted criminal. The play also highlights the
complexities of human nature, as the ballad-singer points out how life's
circumstances and choices can shape individuals and their paths.
The
play masterfully explores the theme of loyalty, as the Sergeant remains
steadfast in his commitment to the force, even when faced with the temptation
to let the criminal escape. He grapples with the moral dilemma of upholding the
law versus aiding someone in need. The Sergeant's inner turmoil is further
heightened by his realization that he might have been on the opposite side in
his youth, fighting for a different cause.
The
ballad-singer serves as a powerful foil to the Sergeant. He represents the
common man, empathetic towards the criminal and attempting to show the Sergeant
the human side of the wanted man. The ballad-singer's persuasive words and the
nostalgic mention of rebellious songs from the past stir up emotions in the
Sergeant, making him question his allegiance to the law.
The
criminal, on the other hand, reveals a shrewd and resourceful personality. He
cleverly disguises himself as a ballad-singer, highlighting his cunning and
ability to adapt to various situations. His escape at the end of the play reinforces
the idea that individuals can find ways to navigate through difficult
circumstances, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
The
play also raises the theme of social and political unrest, as it alludes to a
broader context of rebellion and resistance against the authorities. The
mention of "Granuaile," a legendary Irish pirate queen known for her
defiance against English rule, adds historical depth to the narrative and
symbolizes the spirit of rebellion that still lingers in the hearts of some
characters.
"The
Rising of the Moon" leaves the audience with lingering questions about the
complexities of justice, morality, and the power of one's choices. It
challenges the notion of black-and-white perspectives, revealing the shades of
gray that often define human interactions and decisions.
In
summary, "The Rising of the Moon" is a thought-provoking play that
explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature. It
showcases the conflict between law enforcement and sympathy for a criminal and
leaves the audience pondering the choices and perspectives of its characters.
Overall,
the play skillfully weaves together various themes and nuanced characters to
create a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant piece of theatre. It encourages
the audience to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and the choices they make
in life.
Theme:
The
central theme of "The Rising of the Moon" revolves around duty,
loyalty, and the complexities of human nature. The play explores the conflict
between fulfilling one's responsibilities as a law enforcer and showing
compassion towards a wanted criminal. It delves into the internal struggle of
the Sergeant, who grapples with the moral dilemma of arresting the criminal,
whom he sympathizes with due to his past and background.
The
theme of rebellion and resistance against authority is also evident, with the
criminal being a symbol of defiance and the ballad-singer evoking sentiments of
patriotism and historical rebellion through his songs. The play raises
questions about justice, morality, and the choices individuals make,
emphasizing that life's circumstances and decisions can significantly impact
one's path.
Plot:
"The
Rising of the Moon" is a one-act play set on a quay in a seaport town.
Three policemen, including the Sergeant, are on duty, attempting to catch a
wanted criminal who has escaped from jail. As they post notices about the
criminal, a ragged ballad-singer appears, trying to sell ballads to sailors.
The ballad-singer engages the Sergeant in conversation, revealing that he knows
the criminal and urging the Sergeant not to arrest him. He emphasizes the
complexities of life and how people's choices can lead them down different
paths.
Despite
the ballad-singer's persuasive words, the Sergeant remains loyal to his duty as
a law enforcer. The criminal arrives disguised as a ballad-singer, and the
Sergeant is initially fooled but soon realizes the truth. He hides the criminal
behind a barrel when the other policemen return, dismissing them to keep watch
alone. After the other policemen leave, the criminal reveals himself and thanks
the Sergeant for unknowingly aiding his escape.
Setting:
The
play's setting is a quay in a seaport town, which provides a moody and
atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding drama. The quay represents a place of
transition and movement, symbolizing the characters' emotional and moral
journeys. The moonlight creates an eerie ambiance, heightening the tension and
uncertainty that prevails throughout the play.
The
presence of the water and boats adds a sense of mystery and escape
possibilities for the criminal. The barrel and the placards used by the
policemen contribute to the play's visual elements and also serve as
significant symbols. The barrel provides a hiding place for the criminal,
representing the secretive and elusive nature of his escape plan. The placards,
on the other hand, symbolize the public awareness of the criminal's actions and
the law enforcement's pursuit of him.
Overall,
the setting of "The Rising of the Moon" complements the play's themes
and plot, creating a compelling atmosphere that engages the audience and adds
depth to the characters' interactions and conflicts.
Character Sketch:
Sergeant:
The
Sergeant is a middle-aged police officer who is in charge of a group of
policemen assigned to capture a wanted criminal. He is portrayed as a serious
and dutiful man, dedicated to upholding the law and maintaining order. Despite
being committed to his duty, he struggles with an internal conflict between his
sense of duty and his compassion for others. He is torn between capturing the
criminal and sympathizing with his situation.
The
Man, also known as the Wanted Criminal, is a rebellious and elusive character.
He is a member of an underground organization that opposes the government, and
his actions reflect his strong sense of patriotism and resistance against
authority. He is wanted by the police for his involvement in political
rebellion and escape from prison.
Answer:
The main characters in the play are the Sergeant, the Ballad-singer (Jimmy
Walsh), Policeman B, and the wanted Criminal.
Answer:
The central theme of the play is duty, loyalty, and the complexities of human
nature. It explores the conflict between fulfilling one's responsibilities as a
law enforcer and showing compassion towards a wanted criminal.
Answer:
The play is set on a quay in a seaport town, with moonlight providing an eerie
atmosphere.
4. Who is the wanted criminal in the play, and why are the police looking for him?
Answer:
The wanted criminal is not named, but he is a leader in an organization
involved in rebellion and resistance against authorities. The police are
looking for him because he has escaped from jail.
Answer:
The Ballad-singer emphasizes the complexities of life and how circumstances can
lead people down different paths. He tells stories of rebellion and resistance
through his songs, hoping to evoke emotions in the Sergeant.
Answer:
The Sergeant faces an internal conflict between his duty as a law enforcer and
his sympathy towards the criminal, whom he recognizes from his past and
background.
Answer:
The Sergeant initially hides the criminal behind a barrel to protect him from
the other policemen who have returned. He wants to handle the situation alone
and not involve his colleagues.
Answer:
The criminal represents the spirit of rebellion and defiance against authority.
The Ballad-singer's songs also evoke sentiments of historical rebellion and
patriotism, showcasing the theme throughout the play.
Answer:
The placards represent the public awareness of the criminal's actions and the
police's pursuit of him. They add to the tension and urgency of the play.
10.
How does the play conclude, and what is the overall message conveyed to the
audience?
Answer:
The play concludes with the criminal revealing himself to the Sergeant and
expressing gratitude for unknowingly aiding his escape. The overall message is
that life's circumstances and choices can significantly impact one's path, and
duty and loyalty are not always black and white.
a)
Policeman X
b)
Ballad-singer (Jimmy Walsh)
c)
Sergeant
d)
Wanted Criminal
Answer:
c) Sergeant
a)
Sean O'Farrell
b)
Jimmy Walsh
c)
Johnny Hart
d)
Granuaile
Answer:
b) Jimmy Walsh
a)
Patriotism and Nationalism
b)
The Power of Music
c)
The Complexity of Human Nature
d)
The Struggle for Freedom
Answer:
c) The Complexity of Human Nature
a)
The Ballad-singer's songs
b)
Sergeant's internal conflict
c)
The criminal's disguise as a ballad-singer
d)
Policemen posting placards
Answer:
a) The Ballad-singer's songs
a)
Catching a notorious pirate
b)
Investigating a murder case
c)
Finding a missing child
d)
Capturing a wanted criminal who escaped from jail
Answer:
d) Capturing a wanted criminal who escaped from jail
a)
By offering him money
b)
By revealing his own criminal past
c)
By threatening him
d)
By singing patriotic songs and telling stories of rebellion
Answer:
d) By singing patriotic songs and telling stories of rebellion
a)
A village in the countryside
b)
A castle in the mountains
c)
A quay in a seaport town
d)
A bustling city street
Answer:
c) A quay in a seaport town
a)
Moonlight
b)
Street lamps
c)
Candles
d)
Lanterns
Answer:
a) Moonlight
Characters:
a)
He is the wanted criminal's friend
b)
He is the leader of the police force
c)
He is the oldest of the three policemen
d)
He is the ballad-singer
Answer:
c) He is the oldest of the three policemen
10. Who is the wanted criminal in the play, and why are the police looking for him?
a)
Johnny Hart, for theft and robbery
b)
Sean O'Farrell, for political rebellion
c)
Jimmy Walsh, for assault
d)
Granuaile, for espionage
Answer:
b) Sean O'Farrell, for political rebellion
a)
The Ballad-singer's rebellion against the police
b)
The criminal's loyalty to his gang
c)
The Sergeant's internal conflict between duty and compassion
d)
The policemen's pursuit of a reward
Answer:
c) The Sergeant's internal conflict between duty and compassion
a)
Through the criminal's violent actions
b)
Through the Ballad-singer's patriotic songs
c)
Through the police officers' strict adherence to the law
d)
Through the quay's setting and moonlit ambiance
Answer:
b) Through the Ballad-singer's patriotic songs
a)
Sympathy for the criminal's situation
b)
Fear of the other policemen arresting him
c)
A bribe offered by the criminal's friend
d)
A promise of reward from the criminal's gang
Answer:
b) Fear of the other policemen arresting him
a)
He disguises himself as a policeman
b)
He flees in a waiting boat
c)
He fights off the police officers
d)
He surrenders and goes back to jail
Answer:
b) He flees in a waiting boat
15.
Why is the quay's setting significant in the play?
a)
It symbolizes the criminal's love for the sea
b)
It provides an escape route for the characters
c)
It is the site of historical rebellions
d)
It highlights the police officers' duties
Answer:
b) It provides an escape route for the characters
a)
It creates a romantic atmosphere
b)
It adds mystery and tension
c)
It highlights the criminal's disguise
d)
It symbolizes authority and justice
Answer:
b) It adds mystery and tension
a)
He is the leader of the police force
b)
He is the youngest of the three policemen
c)
He is the friend of the wanted criminal
d)
He is the ballad-singer
Answer:
b) He is the youngest of the three policemen
a)
Love and romance
b)
Political rebellion and historical events
c)
Nature and landscapes
d)
Supernatural and mystical themes
Answer:
b) Political rebellion and historical events
19.
The theme of "The Rising of the Moon" explores the consequences of:
a)
Following orders without question
b)
Escaping from prison
c)
Rebellion against authority
d)
Hiding criminal activities
Answer:
c) Rebellion against authority
a)
The Sergeant and the Ballad-singer
b)
The criminal and his friend
c)
The police officers and their superiors
d)
The Ballad-singer and the townspeople
Answer:
c) The police officers and their superiors
21.
What does the Sergeant think might happen if the wanted criminal escapes?
a)
The criminal will seek revenge on the police officers
b)
The townspeople will praise the police officers' bravery
c)
The police officers will receive a promotion
d)
The criminal's friends might harm the police officers
Answer:
d) The criminal's friends might harm the police officers
a)
He is a skilled singer and musician
b)
He is a master of disguise and trickery
c)
He is a talented painter and poet
d)
He is a skilled negotiator and peacemaker
Answer:
b) He is a master of disguise and trickery
23.
How does the setting of the quay contribute to the play's atmosphere?
a)
It creates a cheerful and festive mood
b)
It symbolizes the town's economic prosperity
c)
It adds a sense of danger and suspense
d)
It represents the criminal's hometown
Answer:
c) It adds a sense of danger and suspense
a)
The policemen
b)
The townspeople
c)
The Ballad-singer
d)
The wanted criminal
Answer:
d) The wanted criminal
1.
c) Sergeant
2.
b) Jimmy Walsh
3.
c) The Complexity of Human Nature
4.
a) The Ballad-singer's songs
5.
d) Capturing a wanted criminal who escaped from jail
6.
d) By singing patriotic songs and telling stories of rebellion
7.
c) A quay in a seaport town
8.
a) Moonlight
9.
c) He is the oldest of the three policemen
10.
b) Sean O'Farrell, for political rebellion
11.
c) The Sergeant's internal conflict between duty and compassion
12.
b) Through the Ballad-singer's patriotic songs
13.
b) Fear of the other policemen arresting him
14.
b) He flees in a waiting boat
15.
b) It provides an escape route for the characters
16.
b) It adds mystery and tension
17.
b) He is the youngest of the three policemen
18.
b) Political rebellion and historical events
19.
c) Rebellion against authority
20.
c) The police officers and their superiors
21.
d) The criminal's friends might harm the police officers
22.
b) He is a master of disguise and trickery
23.
c) It adds a sense of danger and suspense
24.
d) The wanted criminal
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