Juno and the Paycock

The characters in this play are committed to Ireland, whether they show total support or offer a critique. The focus is specifically on a working-class family, which shows their loyalty, despite the limitations of Irish society. In Act I, Johnny says, “I’d do it agen,” meaning he would fight for Ireland and risk his well-being again because the cause meant so much to him (442). Juno’s follow-up offers a critique of Ireland, suggesting that not having an arm means you can’t prosper in Ireland as a working man.

Mother and son have a dialogue back and forth about their home country, with Johnny saying that “Ireland only half free’ll never be at peace while she has a son left to pull a trigger” (442). The personification of Ireland as a maternal figure shows the level of commitment Johnny feels for a country that has given birth to him. Interestingly, Johnny’s commitment to his “mother” country is in direct opposition to his father’s attitude about the maternal figure of the family, Juno. While Juno, like Ireland, expects loyalty, respect, and dedication from Jack, she receives only deceit and the burden of financially sustaining him.

The Irish Civil War manifests itself in Act II as a division between the characters over how to express their Irish spirit.