『슬픔의 디어드러』를 통해 본 씽의 진보적 켈트문화 부흥운동

This paper is intended to analyze J. M. Synge’s progressive perspectives in his last stage play, Deirdre of the Sorrows. Throughout his work, he was mainly interested in depicting his comtemporary Irish people, and his main concern was self-realization and self-actualization to fight against the oppression from the societal and political systems. Compared to his previous works, Deirdre of the Sorrows looks like a drastic change in his overall theme and character composition. He intentionally chose Deirdre to show that focusing on the heroic glory of the past is not going to help build their new Ireland. Synge described his Deirdre as an independent woman who is able to make her own decisions in her life including her marriage, her life, even her own death, regardless of the prophecy and others’ will. Also, Synge took the image of Conchubor, the warrior king, and turned him into a mere old man who is obsessed with youth, wealth and power. As a moderate nationalist, Synge has always objected to the propaganda of radical nationalists. So, Synge, after having to deal with all the objections against his previous dramas, finally planned this play, appropriating their favorite archetypal figures and symbols to counterattack their creed.