O’ Casey’s portrayal of hypocritical and shallow characters O’ Casey’s ironic view of posturing and cowardice is revealed in the course of the play and adds to the pervading negativity. Several of the men in the play are depicted as weak and inadequate. This is particularly true of The Young Covey and Peter, Nora’s uncle. The Young Convey proclaims himself to be a socialist and enjoys displaying his knowledge and understanding of ‘Jenersky’s Thesis’.

Does the Covey show concern for all those who are struggling in society? The Young Convey proclaims himself to be a socialist and enjoys displaying his knowledge and understanding of ‘Jenersky’s Thesis’. There is no doubt that he has a point in his objections to nationalism and its effect on the community. However, he is not as humane as he claims to be as can be seen when he attacks Rosie Redmond, another neighbour, and belittles her by calling her a prostitute. Later, he is more than willing to engage in looting, hurrying Fluther on with the words, ‘Come on then, or there won’t be anything left to save’.

Peter – the self-deluded nationalist? Peter also emerges himself om self-delusion, proudly dressing himself in his Foresters’ uniform, even though the society’s only function seems to be an annual march to Wolfe Tone’s grave.

Does Peter live up to his patriotic ideals? Fluther boasts that he has not missed a ‘pilgrimage to Bodenstown’ in 25 years and never failed to ‘pluck a leaf off Tone’s grave’. Although Peter claims during the patriotic speech in Act Two that he is ‘burnin’ to draw me sword, an’ wave, an’ wave it over me’, his heroism is merely a façade. The only reason he does not go looting with the others is because he is afraid of being shot. Defeated by his own cowardice, he sanctimoniously condemns his looters, ‘Makin’ a shame an’ sin o’ the cause that good men are fightin’ for’.

Peter – an unappealing character? With his gaudy uniform of the Foresters and his loud declarations of valour, he represents very little that is truly admirable. His appalling self-centredness is shown when, hearing the sound of rifle shots, he tries to shut the door against Bessie and Mrs Gogan before they can get to safety. Bessie sums him up well when she describes him as ‘a little sermonising, little yella-faced, little consequential, little pudgy, little bum…’

O’ Casey’s pessimistic vision of hypocritical and shallow characters like Peter Flynn Complains to the others that he is not given space – once given that space, will settle into a performance of the invented role rather than actually do anything which changes the situation. We can clearly see this in the continuous banter and arguments with the Covey in particular over many issues ranging from politics to history and religion. Peter complains about the powerless state he is in, by the way he is treated and in what he has to be subjected to. And yet, that is his choice. He refuses to instead make a powerful decision to act on his threats against the Covey and in turn is made a powerless character by his own fault.

Despite the humour of the dialogue and characterisation, there is no doubt that O’ Casey is highlighting the hypocrisy and shallowness of certain characters who profess the highest ideals.

Fluther as an example of a character who is unable to deal with the deteriorating social plight facing him? Act Three – The street outside the Clitheroe tenement. Fluther arrives home act the end of the third act in a drunken rant as the others struggle to deal with the deteriorating circumstances around them. How would you describe Fluther’s character? What do you think of him? Explain why.