Father Reilly never makes an on-stage appearance, yet his presence is felt throughout the show. How does Synge use Father Reilly (through Shawn) as a critique of the Catholic Church?

How does the factor of age play into the respect, or lack of respect, earned by the characters of Widow Quin and Old Mahon? What might Synge be saying about society’s treatment of older people versus younger people?

Compare and contrast the characters of Shawn and Christy. Explain how each of them meets, or fails to meet, the play’s ideals about masculinity.