Character Analysis Of Widow Quin

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In Playboy of the Western World by John M. Synge, Widow Quin is an intriguing woman under suspicion for her husbands sudden death. Widow Quin has a goal throughout the play to formulate a relationship with Christy, a mysterious Playboy of the Western World. Putting this goal in front of much else, Widow Quin uses her devious voice and manipulative characteristic in her attempt to achieve this goal. Although mistaken as sympathetic at times, Widow Quin is constantly striving for this goal; and always has personal, selfish reasons for each statement crafted. Although some audience members may think that Widow Quin is a humane and sympathetic character, Widow Quin uses her manipulative tone to sneakily pursue her goal and deviously assert the …show more content…

Throughout each scene, Widow Quin has complex actions and words that are often seen as sympathetic and humane. After seeing Old Mahon while he was looking for Christy, Widow Quin invites him to “Sit down then by the fire and take your ease for a space. You’ve a right to be destroyed indeed,” (p. 57). Because of Old Mahon’s frightening state as he walks into the village, Widow Quin encourages him to rest, manifesting a sympathetic and thoughtful demonstration as she shows concerns for Mahon. Although this does show Widow Quin’s concern for Mahon, she ultimately did this for selfish gain to understand more about Christy and further her relationship with him. Although Widow Quin demonstrates what could be seen as sympathetic, it ultimately has a selfish objective for personal gain. Later on in the scene, Widow Quin tells Mahon “You’d best take the road to Belmullet, and not be dilly-dallying in this place where there isn’t a spot you could sleep” (p. 59). Again, Widow Quin shows sympathy and compassion as she helps Mahone by offering him suggestions about how to find Christy. By helping Mahon, Widow Quin shows her considerate side, again, and displays her helpful attempts to convenience Mahon. Although Widow Quin does show these understanding character traits, much of what she did was for personal gain in order to help her advance her relationship with Christy and undermine Pegeen. Widow Quin’s obvious displays of sympathy and humanity are clear to the audience and display her false compassion and understanding; however all of her demonstrations were insincere and illustrated her underlying manipulative behavior in order for her to proceed with her goal to form a relationship with

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