Theme of 'The Rising of the Moon'

The 'Rising of the Moon' is a One Act play that throws light on Irish nationalism. The play reveals the dramatic imagination and charm of the characters. The title of the play is taken from the ballad on Shawn O'Farrell, which is a symbol of the Irish uprising against the British. The play deals with the hope of the Sergeant to arrest the run away prisoner so as to seek promotion and the reward of hundred pound. The prisoner, an Irish nationalist with his intelligence and charm manages to arise the love for nation in the mind of the sergeant, who is an Irish but serving in the British government. The Sergeants love for his nation surpasses over his duty and the prisoner escapes promising to return the favour.