Darby O’Gill and the Good People · Chapter
II explained
On All Souls' Night, Darby O'Gill sits by the fire with his family, listening to the storm and the wailing of what he believes are spirits.
What happens
On All Souls' Night, Darby O'Gill sits by the fire with his family, listening to the storm and the wailing of what he believes are spirits. His wife Bridget worries about the dying Eileen McCarthy and persuades a reluctant Darby to brave the storm and bring tea to the McCarthy household. After a tense domestic argument, Darby reluctantly agrees to go.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition and Religion
Darby's fear of banshees and spirits contrasts with Bridget's pious insistence on prayer and good deeds, highlighting the tension between folk belief and religious practice.
Marriage and Domestic Conflict
The chapter centers on a domestic argument between Darby and Bridget over whether Darby should venture out in the storm, showcasing marital dynamics and persuasion.
Fear and Courage
Darby's fear of the supernatural and the storm is overcome by his wife's manipulation, leading him to reluctantly face his fears.
Characters to notice
- Darby O'Gill
Sits by the fire with his family, argues with Bridget about going out in the storm, and eventually agrees to bring tea to Eileen McCarthy.
- Bridget O'Gill
Worries about Eileen McCarthy, persuades Darby to go out in the storm, and uses guilt to convince him.
- Little Mickey Mulligan
Darby's six-year-old son, cuddled asleep on his father's lap, wakes up to ask about the banshee.
- Eileen McCarthy
Mentioned as being ill with fever and in need of tea; Bridget visited her earlier.
- Cormac McCarthy
Eileen's husband, mentioned as the stonecutter; Bridget expects Darby to bring tea to his house.
- Malachi
The family cat, observes the argument and dodges a sod of turf thrown by Darby.
Key passages
“Do you hear that cry, avourneen? The dear Lord be marciful to the souls of the dayparted!”
Do you hear that cry, my dear? May the Lord have mercy on the souls of the departed.
Darby reacts to a wailing sound he believes is a spirit.
“The banshee comes three nights before anyone dies, doesn't it, daddy?”
The banshee appears three nights before someone dies, doesn't it, daddy?
Little Mickey asks about the folklore of the banshee.
“Your way is to scurry round an' do good acts. My way is to keep from doing bad ones. An' who knows which way is the betther one.”
Your method is to rush around doing good deeds. My method is to avoid doing bad ones. And who knows which is better.
Darby argues with Bridget about their different approaches to goodness.