Themes in Dancing at Lughnasa

Changes and Developments in society

• Sexual freedom
• Technology (Marconi, factory, gramophone)
• Domestication
• Industrial revolution
• Opportunities (Bernie O'Donnell)
• Dance (The Dance Hall act)
•  Family

Technology

The radio (Marconi) is supposed to provide a window into the modern world and a release from the strict Catholic attitudes they are subjected to. It symbolises inspiring change and revolution which mirrors the conflict occurring in the 20th century.

The attempted introduction of gramophones by Gerry, juxtaposes the imposition of the new technologies and change such as the 'new factory started up in Donegal town.' It fails to take hold and affect the lives of the sisters lives whereas the factory is a catalyst in causing Rose and Agnes to run away which ruins their lives. This also links to the industrial revolution which was a huge destruction to Ballybeg.

Dance and Paganism

The theme of dance is very significant in the play. Dance is used as a symbol in a variety of ways. The main symbolism of Dance is that dance is used for freedom. For the sisters, dancing is a way to escape their restricted Catholic lifestyle. The sisters are aware that participating in Dance goes against their religion. When they start to dance it is clear they are hesitant and aware that they are sinning. However, we see them slowly giving in to dance and expressing emotions and feelings through their dancing which are withheld and buried deep within the sisters. The sisters being drawn to pagan practices is a mirror image of the changing values and ideas going on inside Ireland, due to the appeal of pagan practices. 

For Kate, we see dance as a very intimate and private moment. Through dance Kate's separation and isolation within the family is illustrated as she always dances alone. Kate is the strongest Catholic in the family and through her giving in to pagan practices is symbolises the appeal and way that the population of Ireland were drawn to the Pagan lifestyle. 

 Maggie is seen as the most wild and most subjective to pagan ways in the family. Whenever music is played we see Maggie's release build up to depression and disappointment, caused from her restricted and still way of life.

Father Jack, whose ideas and beliefs changed when he went away and lived in a Ryangan tribe (in the tribe, dance was a major part of religious festivals and everyday life) represents the changing world and how due to the changing world, Ireland and it's strict Catholic views are being left behind. Father Jack is therefore a symbol of modern ideas, freedom and equality of women.

Overall, dance is a key theme in the play. It mainly symbolises the rebellion that the isolated sisters act upon due to the built up depression resulting from the still and repetitive lifestyle they live.

Family

Maggie is affectionate towards her nephew Michael, she mocks him, but with affection. She dances and sings, and the songs she sings link to love, something she will never have. The only men in her life are the boy and Jack (she is not 'respectable' enough in Catholic society to get married). She loves the boy even though he was born out of Wedlock- this situation has led to the family being disgraced and shunned by the community. Michael is sharp when responding to Maggie, however he may just be acting as a 'typical child' would. This foreshadows that he will leave Ballybeg and the sisters, as the male characters in the play have the ability to leave, whilst the female characters are trapped by society's expectations.

Boy Michael discusses his father, he trusts that Gerry will get him a bike. Maggie feels sorry for him as she knows this is an empty promise and she wants to protect him.

Kate gets concerned about Rose, this foreshadows when Rose goes missing and Rose and Agnes then run away as a result of the effects of the industrial revolution.

Kate attempts to pretend everything is normal with Jack, this is part of her attempt to keep up appearances.

The Tableaux in the opening and end of the play suggest unity of family (especially against the community from which they are excluded.)

The sisters are a close knit family, they bicker lots, but real love is always conveyed. Also the sisters are very protective over Rose, as there was less understanding of mental health issues at this time and Rose was seen as 'simple'.

The family is broken up due to industrialisation, the knitting factory means Agnes and Rose have no work which leads to them leaving; without a family around them they die in poverty.

Chris is jealous of Agnes and Gerry, conveying how men could get in between the sisters.