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The Plough and the Stars

Seán O'Casey

Type

Play

Published

1926

Questions

3 with answers

Access

Free

AP LiteratureAQAIB Language & LiteratureLeaving CertLeaving Cert Irish

Curated set · answers marked

What historical event serves as the backdrop for Seán O'Casey's play The Plough and the Stars?

AThe Irish War of Independence (1919–1921)
BThe Easter Rising of 1916
CThe Irish Famine of the 1840s
DThe signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921

Rationale

The Plough and the Stars* is set during the Easter Rising of 1916, a significant uprising where Irish republicans sought to end British rule in Ireland. The title references the flag of the Irish Citizen Army, which displayed a plough and stars. O'Casey's portrayal of the Rising's effects on everyday Dublin tenement residents was controversial, leading to riots at the Abbey Theatre when it premiered in 1926.

What historical event serves as the main setting for Seán O'Casey's play The Plough and the Stars?

AThe Irish Famine of 1845–1852
BThe Easter Rising of 1916
CThe Irish War of Independence (1919–1921)
DThe signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921

Rationale

The play takes place during the Easter Rising of 1916 in Dublin. O'Casey uses this uprising as a backdrop to examine how nationalist fervour affects the lives of ordinary working-class tenants, particularly highlighting the human cost associated with political idealism.

What historical event is at the heart of The Plough and the Stars?

AThe Irish War of Independence (1919–1921)
BThe Easter Rising of 1916
CThe Irish Civil War (1922–1923)
DThe Great Famine (1845–1852)

Rationale

Seán O'Casey's play takes place during the Easter Rising of 1916 in Dublin, focusing on how the nationalist rebellion affected everyday working-class individuals. The title references the flag of the Irish Citizen Army, which prominently featured a plough and stars.

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