John Millington Synge Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Millington Synge.

John Millington Synge was an Irish playwright, poet, and folklorist, born on April 16, 1871, in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, Ireland. He is best known for his contributions to the Irish Literary Revival and his unique portrayal of Irish rural life.

Synge spent his childhood in a conservative Protestant household, which shaped his later work exploring Irish folklore and mythology. After completing his education in Dublin and Paris, he moved to the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Living among the islanders, Synge immersed himself in their traditions and stories, which greatly influenced his writing.

In the early 1900s, Synge's plays started to gain recognition, particularly his masterpiece "The Playboy of the Western World" (1907). The play caused controversy due to its portrayal of rural Irish life, resulting in riots during its initial performances. However, it ultimately solidified Synge's position as one of Ireland's foremost playwrights.

Synge's works often delved into the conflicts between traditional Irish values and the encroachment of modernity. He had a keen ear for the rhythms and lyricism of the Irish language, which he incorporated into his plays, making them more authentic and evocative.

Unfortunately, Synge's career was cut short due to his untimely death from Hodgkin's disease. He passed away on March 24, 1909, at the age of 37. Despite his brief life, Synge left an indelible mark on Irish literature, and his plays continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated to this day.

It is the timber of poetry that wears most surely, and there

It is the timber of poetry that wears most surely, and there is no timber that has not strong roots among the clay and worms.

John Millington Synge

Poetry

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn'

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn't stop us from wiping it away with a wet sponge. The Divine doesn't disappear; it's transformed into the clean surface.

Paulo Coelho


There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quietin

There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting.

John Millington Synge

Saintpatricksday

The general knowledge of time on the island depends, curious

The general knowledge of time on the island depends, curiously enough, on the direction of the wind.

John Millington Synge

Knowledge