Title: The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Author: Martin McDonagh
First published April 1, 2001
80 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780413765000 (ISBN10: 0413765008)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
In Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, we witness the absurdity of political violence during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Amidst the bleakness of a rustic Irish cottage and the monotony of everyday life, a mutilated cat sets off a chain of brutal revenge.
As the second play in McDonagh’s dramatic trilogy, it presents a disturbing yet hilarious portrayal of an Irish terrorist who remains indifferent towards his victims, but fiercely attached to his beloved pet cat. When his family and friends on Inishmore discover the cat’s death, they frantically attempt to conceal it before Padriac returns from his bombing mission.
With its twisted humor and gory violence, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a theatrical experience that will shock and entertain you.
About the Author
Martin McDonagh, a young Anglo-Irish playwright, achieved great success in his twenties. He managed to fill theatres in both New York and London, and received numerous prestigious theatre awards.
Audiences were captivated by his cleverly crafted and bold tragicomedies.
Editoral Review
Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a riveting play that takes readers on a journey through the rugged Irish countryside. First published on April 1, 2001, the book explores themes of violence, patriotism, and loyalty in a style that’s both humorous and brutal.
McDonagh, who is well-known for his dark sense of humor and gritty characters, brings to life the story of a merciless Irish terrorist named Padraig, who is hell-bent on finding out who killed his beloved cat, Wee Thomas. The plot of the play takes place on the small island of Inishmore off the coast of Ireland.
Padraig, a prominent figure in the area, returns to the island to find that his cat has been killed. From that moment on, Padraig goes on a rampage, as he searches for those responsible for the death of his pet.
As the plot progresses, Padraig’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, as he starts to suspect everyone on the island, including his own father. McDonagh’s play highlights the divide between the Irish and the British, which continues to persist to this day.
By pitting the Inishmore locals against the British army, McDonagh draws attention to a long-standing political struggle that shaped Ireland in the 20th century. The play’s historical and cultural significance is thus a testament to how deeply intertwined politics and identity are in Ireland.
In terms of the play’s strengths, McDonagh’s writing is masterful, as he blends biting humor with gore and violence in a way that’s both shocking and amusing. The pacing is also impeccable, as the plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
McDonagh’s characters are equally compelling, with Padraig being a standout for his fierce loyalty and brutality. However, one of the weaknesses of the play lies in its simplistic portrayal of the IRA and the British.
McDonagh’s representation of these groups lacks nuance, painting the IRA as ruthless murderers and the British as evil oppressors. This one-dimensional representation reduces the complexity of the political situation in Ireland, trivializing a significant period in the country’s history.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore can be compared to McDonagh’s other works, such as The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Cripple of Inishmaan, for its dark humor and harsh portrayal of Irish society. However, The Lieutenant of Inishmore stands out for its unflinching violence and its exploration of loyalty in the face of betrayal.
Despite its flaws, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a must-read for fans of Irish literature and theater. Its themes of violence, loyalty, and patriotism are still relevant today, bringing attention to the effects of political conflict on society.
Overall, the play deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its impeccable writing, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes.
