Prose - Dís Leaving Certificate Higher Irish Studyclix

Overview of Dís

• Author: Seán

• Type: Short story exploring marriage dynamics

• Context: Exam preparation with focus on analyses of characters and relationship themes.

Key Themes

• Complexity of Marriage:

  • Dís reflects on the challenges and obstacles in a marriage.

  • Focus on Seán's wife's dissatisfaction and her desire for change.

• Women’s Perspectives:

  • The story sheds light on the role of women in traditional marriages.

  • The impact of external conversations catalyzing self-reflection.

Characters

• Seán:

  • Portrayed as indifferent to his wife's feelings.

  • He embodies traditional male expectations of marriage, prioritizing domestic roles for his wife.

• Seán's Wife:

  • Insights: She expresses loneliness and a wish for autonomy.

  • Impact of the Survey Woman: Sparked self-questioning about her role and identity.

Structure of the Story

• Form: Written as a dialogue between Seán and his wife.

• Narrative Style: Captures intimate thoughts and feelings, offering insights into their marital relationship.

Important Points for Discussion

• Dissatisfaction in Marriage:

  • The wife's unhappiness is particularly highlighted on the day the survey woman visits.

  • She feels devalued and like a 'statistic' in her husband's eyes.

• Significance of the Survey Woman:

  • Introduces new perspectives and prompts discussions about independence and identity.

  • Acts as a catalyst for the wife's reflection on her life choices and aspirations.

Examination Strategy

• Approach to Questions: Analyze Seán’s wife’s life and thoughts, connecting insights from conversations with relevant examples from the text.

• Marks Allocation: The question is worth 30 marks; manage time effectively (maximum 30 minutes suggested).

Key Vocabulary

• Saol = Life

• Smaointe = Thoughts

• Comhrá = Conversation

Sample Analysis Points

• Contrast between Seán's perspective and his wife’s emerging realizations.

• Importance of external influences (like the survey woman) in igniting a desire for change.

• The societal implications of the wife's feelings of inadequacy and isolation.

• Consideration of how traditional roles affect personal identities and dreams.

Conclusion

• Critical Analysis: Emphasize comprehension of narrative depth through analysis of character relationships and societal roles.

• Recommended Focus: The necessity of independence and questioning traditional dynamics for women in modern contexts, drawing on the narrative's insights.