Sive John B Keane Summary & Analysis

This guide provides a comprehensive sive john b keane summary, breaking down the plot, characters, and key themes of this iconic Irish play. Understanding Sive is crucial for students studying it for the Leaving Certificate English exam, offering insights into rural Irish society and dramatic conflict.

Sive John B Keane Summary: The Plot at a Glance

Sive tells the tragic story of a young, beautiful orphan girl named Sive who lives with her grandmother, Nana Glavin, and uncle, Mike Glavin. The play is set in rural Kerry in the 1950s. The central conflict arises when Thomasheen Seán Rua, a local matchmaker, conspires with Mena Glavin, Mike’s domineering wife, to marry Sive off to the much older and wealthy farmer, Seán Dota.

Sive, however, is secretly in love with a young man named Liam Scuab. Her family’s dire financial situation pushes Mena and Thomasheen to force the marriage for the hefty dowry. Nana Glavin fiercely opposes this arrangement, advocating for Sive’s happiness. The tension escalates, leading to a devastating climax.

Key Plot Points:

• The Proposed Match: Thomasheen and Mena’s plan to marry Sive to Seán Dota for financial gain.
• Sive’s Resistance: Sive’s secret love for Liam Scuab and her refusal to marry Seán Dota.
• Nana Glavin’s Support: Nana’s unwavering defence of Sive against Mena and Thomasheen.
• The Travellers’ Role: Pats Bocock and Carthalawn, local travellers, provide commentary and are often seen as ‘outsiders’ with clear sight.
• The Tragic Climax: Sive’s ultimate fate, which highlights the harsh realities of the time and the destructive power of greed.

Central Characters and Their Roles

John B. Keane’s characters in Sive are deeply drawn and represent various facets of rural society. Understanding their motivations is key to a strong exam answer.

• Sive: The innocent, beautiful orphan. She represents youth, vulnerability, and purity. Her desire for love is tragically thwarted.
• Nana Glavin: Sive’s loving grandmother. She embodies traditional values, fierce loyalty, and a strong sense of justice. She is Sive’s protector.
• Mena Glavin: Mike’s materialistic and manipulative wife. She is driven by greed and social ambition, controlling her household.
• Mike Glavin: Sive’s uncle. He is weak-willed and easily influenced by Mena, representing those who fail to stand up for what is right.
• Thomasheen Seán Rua: The cunning matchmaker and villain of the piece. He symbolises exploitation and the corrupting power of money.
• Seán Dota: The wealthy, elderly prospective husband. He represents the older generation’s desire for a young wife and the commodification of women.
• Liam Scuab: Sive’s true love. He represents hope and genuine affection, but lacks the means to save Sive.

Major Themes in Sive

Several significant themes emerge in Sive, offering rich material for Leaving Cert essays. Consider how these themes intertwine and lead to the play’s tragic conclusion.

Greed and Materialism

Mena and Thomasheen are driven solely by financial gain. They view Sive as a commodity, sacrificing her happiness for money and social status. This theme exposes the destructive nature of unchecked avarice.

“There’s money to be made with a lass like Sive.” – Thomasheen Seán Rua

Innocence vs. Corruption

Sive’s innocence is continually threatened by the corrupt intentions of those around her. Nana Glavin’s attempts to protect Sive highlight this stark contrast. The play questions the ethical boundaries when innocence is exploited for profit.

Societal Pressure and Tradition

The tradition of arranged marriages and the strong societal pressure to adhere to them are powerfully depicted. While Nana fights against it, Mike’s inability to resist Mena reflects the power of these pressures in rural communities. For more on dramatic works and their societal commentary, you might find our summary of The Crucible interesting.

The Role of Women

The play scrutinises the limited agency of women in 1950s rural Ireland. Sive has little say in her own future, while Mena, though powerful in her own home, operates within restrictive societal norms. Nana Glavin, in her defiance, offers an alternative perspective on female strength.

Sive for the Leaving Cert English Exam

When preparing for your exam, focus on character analysis, thematic links, and the dramatic impact of key events. Use quotes effectively to support your points. Examiners reward detailed textual knowledge and perceptive interpretations.

• Practise essay writing on specific themes, such as greed or the exploitation of innocence.
• Analyse how dramatic techniques, like foreshadowing or tragic irony, contribute to the play’s effect.
• Compare and contrast characters like Nana and Mena to show deeper understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Sive explores themes of greed, innocence, and societal pressure in 1950s rural Ireland.
• The tragic plot centres on the forced marriage of Sive to an older man for money.
• Characters like Nana Glavin and Thomasheen Seán Rua represent opposing forces of good and evil.