1. Big Maggie by John B Keane

2. The World of the Text – 1960s Rural Ireland
What would be some characteristics of 1960s Rural Ireland?

3. Characters: Maggie Polpin - Sharon Katie Polpin - Kirsten
Gert Polpin - Grace
Maurice Polpin - Tanya
Mick Polpin - Debbie
Teddy Heelin - Jennifer
Mary Madden - Eduarda
Mrs Madden - Roberta
Mr Byrne – Dyneffar
Old Man - Caroline
Old Woman - Jessica
Priest – Sarah

4. Maggie Polpin “Big Maggie”
At first we see….
Maggie Polpin as a formidable woman
Controlling
Violent
An unemotional and impudent matriarch

5. Katie Polpin Eldest of the Polpin sisters attractive
More forward and worldly than her naive sister Gert
Confident, forward and forthcoming with decisions
Seen as her father’s favourite child by other siblings

6. Gert Polpin More innocent and sweet sister
Easily manipulated and controlled by her mother Maggie

7. Maurice Polpin The Eldest Polpin Son
Timid and unassuming (doesn’t draw attention to himself) man
Man of etiquette and conducts himself with decorum (polite) and dignity

8. Mick Polpin
Youngest son
Candid and frank (truthful/straightforward)

9. Teddy Heelin
Friend of family
Attractive
Womaniser

10. Mary Madden
Maurice’s Girlfriend
Shy and uncertain of herself

11. Mrs Hanna Madden Mary’s mother Strong willed matriarch (like Maggie)
Threatening and daring woman

12. Mr Byrne
Monument sculptor
A congenial man (friendly)

13. Old man and old woman
Their purpose is that of comic relief to act as a symbol for truth and traditions
Their gossip sheds light on what is happening in the Polpin household.

14. Walter Polpin Maggie’s deceased husband
He was an insensitive man, an adulterer and an alcoholic

15. Characters: Maggie Polpin - Sharon Katie Polpin - Kirsten
Gert Polpin - Grace
Maurice Polpin - Tanya
Mick Polpin - Debbie
Teddy Heelin - Jennifer
Mary Madden - Eduarda
Mrs Madden - Roberta
Mr Byrne – Dyneffar
Old Man - Caroline
Old Woman - Jessica
Priest – Sarah

16. Act 1 Scene 1
Graveyard Scene