The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Scene Summaries & Analyses

Scenes 1-5

Scenes 6-9

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

What is the function of violence in the play, and how does McDonagh make it humorous? Choose three instances of comic violence in the play and explain how they work.

Imagine that you are working on a contemporary production of The Lieutenant of Inishmore in a country other than Ireland. How would you make the play relevant to current audiences? What do you think audiences need to know in order to understand the play?

Research The Troubles and the history of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. Do you think McDonagh’s portrayal is fair? Why or why not?