Juno and the Paycock

“Oh, he’ll come in when he likes; struttin’ about the town like a paycock.”

Juno says this line toward the beginning of the play when discussing the whereabouts of her husband, Jack Boyle. This line sets the scene for Jack’s gallivanting behaviors while referencing the title of the play. It also establishes the Irish dialect of the characters, signaling to the audience to pay extra attention to the language.

“A principle’s a principle.”

Mary explains to her mother why she had to go out on strike and then a few moments later says it again in reference to Johnny’s commitment to the Irish cause (442). Johnny says the same thing to his mother later in the act regarding his commitment to fighting for Ireland. In all instances, the younger generation speaks to the older generation about idealism. This quote repeats to show the political and cultural atmosphere of Ireland at this time, with an emphasis on doing the “right” thing for the country.

“Is the light lightin’ before the picture o’ the Virgin?”

Johnny inquires about the votive candle before the picture of the Virgin Mary in the apartment in Act I. This moment foreshadows Act II, when he sees a vision of the dead solider Robbie Tancred kneeling in front of the picture. Johnny asks yet again if someone would check if the candle is still on in front of the picture as if it’s become a superstition or obsession for him.