<P> The pervading theme of this work is the subtle paganism Synge observed in the people of rural Ireland . Following his dismissal of Christianity, Synge found that the predominantly Roman Catholic Ireland still retained many of the folktales and superstitions born out of the old Celtic paganism . This play is an examination of that idea as he has a set of deeply religious characters find themselves at odds with an unbeatable force of nature (this being the sea). While the family is clearly Catholic, they still find themselves wary of the supernatural characteristics of natural elements, an idea very present in Celtic paganism . </P> <P> At least two motion picture versions of the play have been made: </P> <Ul> <Li> One of the earliest examples of Irish film in 1935 a 40 - minute black - and - white movie directed by Brian Desmond Hurst with screenplay adaptation by Patrick Kirwan with Sara Allgood and, notably, Synge's bereaved fiancée Marie O'Neill . Hurst had been mentored in Hollywood by John Ford, and Ruth Barton describes scenes in the film as "remarkably Fordian ." </Li> <Li> A 1987 47 - minute color movie directed and adapted by Ronan O'Leary with Geraldine Page . </Li> </Ul> <Li> One of the earliest examples of Irish film in 1935 a 40 - minute black - and - white movie directed by Brian Desmond Hurst with screenplay adaptation by Patrick Kirwan with Sara Allgood and, notably, Synge's bereaved fiancée Marie O'Neill . Hurst had been mentored in Hollywood by John Ford, and Ruth Barton describes scenes in the film as "remarkably Fordian ." </Li>

Riders to the sea by john millington synge summary