The Playboy of the Western World

At the top of Act II, Christy is adjusting nicely to his new position as pot-boy. He is taking inventory and commenting to himself on how much he likes his new life, where he is regarded as handsome and useful. He takes the mirror from the wall and studies himself in it, then sets it down to wash his face. Suddenly, he hears a group of young women coming up to the bar and rushes to hide from them.

The village girls have come to see the man who killed his father. Shawn told them of him, and they all rushed over to see this new hero for themselves. They are upset Christy is nowhere to be found and even wonder if Shawn made him up from the start. Soon, however, they find Christy’s boots and know that he must be in the bar. Christy makes a noise and is discovered.

When Christy confirms that he’s the man who slayed his father, the women start to bestow him with gifts. One woman, Sara Tansey, gives him her finest duck eggs. Susan Brady gives him a pat of butter, Honor Blake gives him a slice of cake, and Nelly gives him a “laying pullet,” or chicken (34).