An Triail by Máiréad Ní Ghráda is a powerful and thought-provoking play that remains a cornerstone of the Irish Leaving Certificate curriculum. It explores themes of morality, judgment, and societal hypocrisy, making it an essential text for students. Writing strong, well-structured answers for An Triail is key to excelling in your exams.
Whether you’re looking for An Triail sample answers characters, insights into Máire or Pádraig, or wondering how long should an Triail answer be, this blog will cover everything you need to succeed. We’ll also include references to An Triail sample answers 2022, 2021, and earlier years to help you identify trends and prepare effectively.
An Triail Summary
Before diving into sample answers, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the play. Here’s a brief summary:
An Triail is set in 1960s Ireland and follows the tragic story of Máire Ní Chathasaigh, a young woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock. She is shunned by her family, community, and church, ultimately leading to her downfall. The play is structured as a courtroom trial, with various characters testifying about their roles in Máire’s fate. Through this format, Ní Ghráda critiques the moral double standards and oppressive societal norms of the time.
Key themes include:
Hypocrisy in Irish society.
The role of religion and the church.
The treatment of women and single mothers.
Judgment and responsibility.
How Long Should an Triail Answer Be?
One of the most common questions students ask is, “How long should an Triail answer be?” While the length depends on the specific question and marking scheme, here are some general guidelines:
Short Questions: 1-2 paragraphs (5-10 lines each). These answers should be concise and focus on the key points.
Longer Questions/Essays: Aim for 3-5 paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a specific aspect of the question. Use evidence from the text, such as An Triail quotes, to support your points.
Remember, quality is more important than quantity. Focus on answering the question directly and providing relevant examples.
An Triail Sample Answers Characters
When writing about characters in An Triail, it’s essential to analyze their behavior, motivations, and impact on the story. Below are some An Triail sample answers for key characters:
Máire Ní Chathasaigh
Máire is the protagonist of the play and represents the plight of single mothers in 1960s Ireland. She is portrayed as a strong yet tragic figure who suffers due to societal and familial rejection.
Sample Answer:
Máire is a symbol of innocence and resilience in An Triail. Despite being abandoned by Pádraig and rejected by her family, she refuses to give up her child, showing her strength and maternal devotion. Her mother’s harsh words, “Mallacht Dé ortsa, a striapach,” highlight the hypocrisy of a society that prioritizes appearances over compassion. Máire’s tragic end serves as a critique of the moral double standards of the time.
Key Quote: “Ní haon pheaca deireadh a chur le rud neamhghlan.”This quote reflects the societal view of Máire’s pregnancy as a sin, further isolating her.
Pádraig Mac Cárthaigh
Pádraig is a schoolteacher who seduces Máire and abandons her after discovering she is pregnant. He represents the hypocrisy of men in positions of power who exploit women.
Sample Answer:
Pádraig is a manipulative and selfish character in An Triail. He uses Máire’s innocence and naivety to his advantage, promising her love and marriage while hiding his true intentions. His dismissive attitude is evident when he refers to Máire as “stuacach, ceanndána” after she becomes pregnant. Pádraig’s actions highlight the double standards faced by women, as he faces no consequences for his behavior while Máire is ostracized.
Key Quote: “Is tú mo bhean feasta. Ní bheidh tú liom ach beidh tú i gcónaí liom.”This line demonstrates Pádraig’s deceitful nature, as he makes promises he has no intention of keeping.
Bean Uí Chathasaigh (Máire’s Mother)
Máire’s mother is a deeply religious woman who prioritizes societal approval over her daughter’s well-being. Her harsh treatment of Máire reflects the oppressive values of the time.
Sample Answer:
Bean Uí Chathasaigh is a complex character who embodies the hypocrisy of Irish society. While she outwardly appears devout, her actions reveal a lack of compassion and understanding. Her insistence on sending Máire to a convent and her cruel words, “Mallacht Dé ortsa,” show her prioritization of reputation over her daughter’s needs. She represents the societal pressures that contributed to Máire’s downfall.
Key Quote: “Thóg mise go creidiúnach í.”This line highlights her focus on appearances and her belief that she has done her duty as a mother.
An Triail Themes and Quotes
Hypocrisy in Irish Society
The play critiques the moral double standards of 1960s Ireland, particularly regarding the treatment of women and the role of the church.
Key Quote: “Cé a deir gur tír Chríostaí í seo?”This rhetorical question challenges the audience to reflect on the lack of compassion in a supposedly Christian society.
The Role of Religion
Religion plays a central role in the play, often being used to justify cruelty and judgment.
Key Quote: “Ní ormsa is cóir aon phioc den mhilleán a chur.”This line reflects the tendency of characters to absolve themselves of responsibility, often using religion as an excuse.
The Treatment of Women
The play highlights the harsh treatment of women, particularly single mothers, in a patriarchal society.
Key Quote: “Ní aon pheaca deireadh a chur le rud neamhghlan.”This quote encapsulates the societal view of Máire’s pregnancy as sinful and shameful.
2025 An Triail Sample Answers and Trends
Looking at past years, such as An Triail sample answers 2022, 2021, and 2020, can help you identify trends in exam questions. Common questions focus on:
Analyzing key characters like Máire, Pádraig, and Bean Uí Chathasaigh.
Discussing the play’s themes, such as hypocrisy and the role of religion.
Using quotes to support your arguments.
For 2025 An Triail sample answers, it’s likely that questions will continue to focus on these areas. Ensure you’re familiar with An Triail character notes, An Triail quotes, and the overall structure of the play.
An Triail Sample Answers PDF
Many students find it helpful to download an An Triail sample answers PDF to review well-structured responses. These PDFs often include:
Sample essays on key characters and themes.
Analysis of important quotes.
Tips for structuring your answers.
You can create your own PDF by compiling notes and sample answers from this blog and other resources.
Conclusion
Writing strong answers for An Triail requires a deep understanding of the play’s characters, themes, and quotes. By studying An Triail sample answers characters, practicing with past papers like An Triail sample answers 2022, and using key quotes effectively, you can craft responses that stand out. Remember to keep your answers concise, well-structured, and focused on the question.
With these tips and examples, you’re well-prepared to tackle any question on An Triail in 2025. Best of luck!
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