Cathleen Ni Houlihan: question & answers

Short Answer Type Questions

1. What did Winny talk about?
   Winny talked about a strange woman who appears whenever war or trouble is about to come to the country.

2. Who is Delia Cahel?
   Delia Cahel is a young woman engaged to Michael Gillane.

3. In which year and with whom did Yeats collaborate to write the play, Cathleen ni Houlihan?
   W. B. Yeats collaborated with Lady Gregory in 1902 to write the play Cathleen ni Houlihan.

4. Which clothes were referred to as ‘grand clothes’?
   Michael’s wedding clothes were referred to as ‘that grand clothes’.

5. What did Bridget hope her younger son might become in the future? Whose help did she rely on?
   Bridget hoped her younger son would become a priest. She relied on the help of Delia Cahel’s uncle, who was a priest.

6. What reply did the old woman give to Peter’s question, “Have you traveled far today”?
   The old woman replied that she had traveled very far, farther than most. She said many people she thought were friends turned out to be indifferent, caring more for shearing sheep than listening to her.

7. What is the ‘fortune’ that Michael brought?
   Michael brought 100 pounds as a dowry, referred to as the ‘fortune’.

8. “He died for the love of me.” — Who was the speaker? Who died for her?
   The old woman, who represents Cathleen ni Houlihan, was the speaker. Yellow-haired Donough died for her.

9. What does the Poor Old Woman represent?
   The Poor Old Woman symbolizes Ireland.

10. Why did Peter put the money out of sight?
    Peter put the money away to prevent strangers from seeing it.

11. What gift is Patrick expecting?
    Patrick is expecting a greyhound pup as a gift.

12. How does the old woman first arouse pity and sympathy in the minds of the readers?
    The old woman arouses sympathy by describing her poor condition and the loss of her lands, prompting readers to feel her pain and injustice.

13. Who is Bridget Gillane?
    Bridget Gillane is Peter’s wife and the mother of Michael and Patrick.

14. What does Peter ask Bridget to offer the old woman as food and drink?
    Peter asks Bridget to offer the old woman a piece of oaten cake and a drink of milk.

15. “Leave me alone now till I ready the house for the woman…” — Who is the speaker and who is referred to as ‘the woman’?
    Bridget is the speaker, and she is referring to Delia Cahel.

16. What had Delia promised to gift Patrick?
    Delia promised to give Patrick a greyhound pup.

17. What happened to the four green fields?
    The four green fields, symbolizing Ireland’s provinces, were taken over by strangers—referring to British colonization.

18. Why does the old woman keep on wandering?
    The old woman wanders because there are too many strangers in her house, symbolizing foreign occupation of Ireland.

19. Who is Patrick Gillane?
    Patrick Gillane is Michael’s younger brother, a twelve-year-old boy.

20. What does Peter mean by ‘fortune’?
    Peter refers to dowry as ‘fortune’.

21. What do the “four green fields” symbolize?
    The four green fields represent Ireland’s four provinces.

22. Why did Peter want to go to the fair of Ballina?
    Peter wanted to buy livestock at the Ballina fair.

23. Who was Widow Casey?
    Widow Casey was a strong, healthy woman who had been evicted from her property at Kilglass.

24. How did Donough die?
    Donough was hanged in Galway with a hemp rope and a white cloth on his head.

25. Where did Brian lose his life?
    Brian died at Clontarf, near the sea.

26. What is meant by ‘gallows’?
    A ‘gallows’ is a structure used for execution by hanging.

27. “Too many strangers in the house.” — Who said this, and who are the ‘strangers’?
    The old woman said this, referring to the British colonizers as ‘strangers’ in Ireland.

28. What hope did the old woman have?
    She hoped to reclaim her beautiful fields and drive the strangers out of her house.

29. Whom did Patrick see walk like a queen?
    Patrick saw a young girl walking like a queen, representing the transformed figure of the old woman.

30. “They shall be remembered forever.” — Who shall be remembered and why?
    The freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Ireland shall be remembered forever for their patriotism and selfless service.

31. What did Peter want Bridget to give to the old woman?
    He wanted her to give the old woman a drink of milk and a bit of oaten cake.

32. “He died for the love of me.” — Who is the speaker and who died?
    The old woman is the speaker, and Donough is the one who died for her.

33. Who was John Cahel?
    John Cahel was Delia Cahel’s father.

34. Where did the action of the play Cathleen ni Houlihan take place?
    The play is set in a cottage near Killala, in Ireland.

35. Why did Bridget want to make her younger son a priest?
    Bridget wanted to make her younger son Patrick a priest because she believed it would give him a secure and respected future, especially after Michael got married and settled down.

36. “It is a hard service they take that helps me.” – Who is the speaker? What was the hard service?
    The speaker is the Old Woman, representing Ireland. The hard service refers to the sacrifice young men make—leaving behind their families and comforts to fight and die for the country’s freedom.

    Long Answer Type Questions

    1. Write a brief character sketch of Bridget Gillane.

    Ans: In Cathleen ni Houlihan, Bridget Gillane is the wife of Peter and the mother of Michael and Patrick. She represents the traditional Irish woman—simple, tolerant, hardworking, polite, and humble. Bridget is practical and grounded, always planning for her family’s future. She wishes the best for her sons and even hopes that Patrick will become a priest once Michael is married.

    As a mother, Bridget is affectionate and emotionally invested in her children. Although she is angered by Peter’s insensitive remark about her dowry, she continues to exhibit kindness and compassion. Despite financial hardships, she retains her values of hospitality and empathy. It is Bridget who tells Michael to open the door for the old woman and warmly welcomes her into their home. She provides food and persuades her reluctant husband to give the woman money.

    Towards the end, Bridget tries to distract Michael by speaking of his wedding, hoping to secure the dowry and ensure her family’s comfort. Though she appears tempted by material gain, her deep concern for her family’s safety and happiness shows her loving and selfless nature. Bridget is a flat yet relatable character, embodying the everyday resilience and emotional strength of Irish mothers.

    2. Sketch the character of the Old Woman in the play Cathleen ni Houlihan.

     

    Ans: The Old Woman is the central symbolic figure in Cathleen ni Houlihan. She arrives at the Gillane household on the eve of Michael’s wedding, seeking shelter and recounting her tragic story of losing her home. Her speech is poetic and elevated, and she sings Gaelic folk songs that evoke Ireland’s historical struggles. Her rejection of food and money further distinguishes her as someone beyond the material realm.

    She is a personification of Ireland, impoverished and oppressed under British colonial rule. Her four lost fields symbolize the four provinces of Ireland. She speaks of heroic young men who died for her cause, urging others to follow in their footsteps. By the end, she inspires Michael to abandon his marriage and join the rebellion, offering his life in the struggle for Irish independence.

    Her mysterious offstage transformation—from a frail old woman into a beautiful young girl “with the walk of a queen”—represents the rejuvenation of Ireland through sacrifice. She embodies the soul of the nation, demanding devotion and martyrdom from her sons.

    3. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the play, Cathleen ni Houlihan.

     

    Ans: The title Cathleen ni Houlihan is highly appropriate as it directly refers to the central figure of the play—the symbolic representation of Ireland. The plot revolves around her visit to the Gillane family on the eve of Michael’s wedding. Her presence transforms the domestic celebration into a moment of national awakening.

    Cathleen ni Houlihan, as a character, evokes sympathy and stirs patriotic fervor in young Michael, leading him to choose a life of sacrifice over personal happiness. Her narrative shifts the focus from individual concerns to collective national identity.

    The title draws attention to the woman’s symbolic significance—she is not merely a character but a representation of Ireland’s suffering, struggle, and potential for renewal. The play culminates in her transformation, reinforcing her central role. Hence, the title effectively encapsulates the theme, symbolism, and emotional impact of the play.

    4. How does the old woman drive Michael to give up his marriage and become a martyr for the country?

     

    Ans: On the eve of Michael’s wedding during the 1798 Rebellion, the Old Woman arrives at the Gillane home and completely changes the course of events. Through her poignant stories and emotional appeal, she awakens Michael’s dormant patriotism. She recounts the loss of her four green fields and glorifies those young men who sacrificed their lives for her cause.

    Her poetic speech and folk songs emphasize the idea that dying for one’s country brings eternal fame. She does not directly ask Michael to leave, but her words powerfully suggest that true honor lies in serving Ireland, not in personal comfort. She elevates war to a noble cause and paints sacrifice as heroic and eternal.

    Michael, deeply moved and enchanted, gradually realizes that fighting for Ireland is his true calling. He rejects his marriage, home, and stable life to join the rebellion. The Old Woman’s influence lies in her ability to transform personal duty into a national one, using emotional persuasion and historical memory.

    5. What does the transformation of the old woman into a young lady symbolize in the play Cathleen ni Houlihan?

     

    Ans: The transformation of the Old Woman into a young girl at the end of Cathleen ni Houlihan is a powerful symbolic moment. Throughout the play, she represents Ireland—old, impoverished, and worn down by colonial oppression. However, after convincing Michael to fight for her cause, she is seen by Patrick as a beautiful young woman “with the walk of a queen.”

    This transformation symbolizes the rejuvenation and revitalization of Ireland through the sacrifices of its sons. Michael’s decision to fight is portrayed as a moment of national rebirth. The fact that the change occurs offstage enhances its mystical and allegorical nature.

    The young girl figure reflects hope, pride, and the possibility of independence. It suggests that Ireland, though battered, can regain her former glory if her people commit to the cause. The symbolism is clear: through sacrifice, a nation can reclaim its dignity and youth.

    6. Cathleen ni Houlihan is a republican cause of Irishmen. Explain.

    Or,
    Describe Irish nationalism in the play Cathleen ni Houlihan.

     

    Ans: Cathleen ni Houlihan is steeped in Irish nationalist sentiment and reflects the republican aspirations of its time. Written during a period of colonial domination, the play uses symbolism to depict the longing for independence. The Old Woman represents Ireland itself, wounded and displaced, calling on her “sons” to defend her.

    She invokes the memory of past heroes and glorifies martyrdom for the national cause. Her speeches highlight the loss of Irish land and dignity, and she appeals to young men to restore them. Michael becomes the ideal nationalist figure, willing to give up personal happiness for his country’s freedom.

    The play emphasizes the importance of self-sacrifice in the fight for liberation. Cathleen’s transformation at the end is a metaphor for the possibility of a renewed and free Ireland. Thus, Cathleen ni Houlihan serves as a dramatic embodiment of Irish nationalism and republican ideals.

    7. Compare and contrast the characters of Peter and his son Michael in Cathleen ni Houlihan.

     

    Ans: Peter Gillane and his son Michael are portrayed as father and son with very different priorities. Peter is pragmatic and focused on material concerns. He is eager to secure Delia’s dowry and talks about buying livestock and ensuring a stable future. When the Old Woman asks for help, he reluctantly gives her a shilling, showing his unwillingness to part with money.

    In contrast, Michael is emotionally driven and idealistic. Although he looks forward to marrying Delia, he values her as a person more than her fortune. He is open to the Old Woman’s story and deeply affected by her words. His transformation is profound—he chooses national duty over personal joy.

    While Peter represents the older generation’s concern with survival and stability, Michael symbolizes the younger generation’s readiness for sacrifice and change. Michael’s choice to fight reflects the emergence of a new Irish identity, inspired by patriotism and spiritual awakening.

    8.What pictures of Irish society come out through the play Cathleen ni Houlihan?

    
    Ans: The play presents a vivid picture of early 19th-century Irish society under British rule. It highlights the struggles of rural families, the importance of marriage alliances and dowries, and the growing spirit of nationalism. The Gillane household reflects traditional Irish values—hospitality, modesty, and resilience. Social norms are portrayed through arranged marriages, with economic security prioritized. At the same time, the Old Woman symbolizes a deeper cultural identity and collective memory. Her presence introduces the theme of sacrifice and the call for national freedom. The tension between material comfort and devotion to the motherland reflects a society caught between the pull of tradition and the call for revolutionary change.

    9.What role does the dowry play in the play Cathleen ni Houlihan?

    
    Ans: In the play, dowry is a central element reflecting the economic considerations of marriage in Irish rural society. Peter Gillane eagerly awaits Delia’s dowry, seeing it as a way to improve his family’s financial status. Bridget and Peter both see the marriage as a stabilizing move for their family. However, Michael is less concerned with the dowry, focusing instead on his love for Delia. The arrival of the Old Woman disrupts these material concerns. Michael ultimately rejects the dowry and his marriage to answer the call of patriotism. Thus, the dowry serves as a symbol of worldly attachment, which is later sacrificed for a higher cause—national freedom.

    10.Describe the atmosphere that prevailed in the Gillane household before the entry of the Old Woman.

    
    Ans: Before the Old Woman’s arrival, the Gillane household was full of anticipation and joy. The family was busy preparing for Michael’s wedding with Delia Cahel. Bridget was attending to household duties, Peter was discussing the dowry, and everyone was engaged in planning a bright and secure future. The mood was hopeful, warm, and filled with dreams of prosperity and familial bonding. However, this domestic harmony was rooted in material comfort and traditional roles, which were soon challenged by the Old Woman’s symbolic presence and her call to sacrifice.

    C. Textual Grammar (Do as directed):

    1. Michael said, “Have you no one to care for you in your age, ma’am?”(Change the narration)
       → Michael asked the old woman if she had no one to care for her in her old age.

    2. I must be going to meet my friends. They are coming to help me, and I must be there to welcome them.(Join into a single sentence)
       → I must go to meet my friends who are coming to help me, and I must be there to welcome them.

    3. The woman who is coming home is not coming home with empty hands. You would not have an empty house before her.(Join into a complex sentence)
       → As the woman who is coming home is not coming with empty hands, you would not have an empty house before her.

    4. We will be well able to give him learning, and not to send him trampling the country like a poor scholar that lives on charity.(Split into simple sentences)
       → We will be able to give him education. We will not send him wandering the country like a poor scholar dependent on charity.

    5. Many a man has died for the love of me.(Correct the errors)
       →Correct as it is.

    6. Peter said, “Did Delia ask for any of the money for her use, Michael?”(Change the Narration)
       → Peter asked Michael if Delia had asked for any of the money for her use.

    7. The Boys are all hurrying down the hillsides to be joined by the French.(Correct the errors)
       → The boys are all hurrying down the hillsides to join the French.