Day 1 The Quiet Man

You will be watching a classic movie, The Quiet Man starring John Wayne. Complete the study guide for each day. (The movie will run for 4 days). The movie stars the following people, all considered great character actors. Only Maureen O’Hara survives. The movie was directed by John Ford, considered one of the great directors. The movie won 1953 Oscars for Best Director and Best Cinematography.

Cast overview, first billed only:

John Wayne .... Sean Thornton aka Trooper ThorntonMaureen O'Hara .... Mary Kate Danaher/ThorntonBarry Fitzgerald .... Michaleen Flynn, Town matchmaker, bookmakerWard Bond .... Father Peter Lonergan, NarratorVictor McLaglen .... Squire 'Red' Will DanaherMildred Natwick .... The Widow Sarah Tillane

Eileen Crowe .... Mrs. Elizabeth Playfair

Arthur Shields .... Reverend Cyril 'Snuffy' Playfair

James Lilburn .... Father Paul

Jack MacGowran .... Ignatius Feeney, Squire Danaher's handyman (as Jack McGowran)

The town is Innisfree, Ireland. Watch for the “stick” through out the movie. What do you think it symbolizes?

Note how the characters are developed, even minor characters. Think about themes—you will be asked to name two themes by day 5.

1) Where did Sean’s grandfather die?

Where did Sean’s mother die?

How did Sean’s grandfather die?

Why would this be important to the story?

2) Note the girl with the sheep—this is common image of romance….beauty coming through the fields. What literary term might this be called?

3) “Bold sinful man you are Sean Thorton and who taught you to be playing paddy fingers in the Holy Water? Maybe you don’t know it’s a privilage you serve before courting…” How does this statement set up the plot?

4) Why isn’t Mary Kate married?

5) When Widow Tillane says to Sean …”Since Normandy times”, what does she really mean? Remember, she is saying this because Sean is American.

6) What does Will Danaher mean when he says “I’ve got you down in my book”? What does this tell us about Will’s character?

7) What is the initial attitude of the Irishmen to Sean when he originally goes to the tavern? Why did it change?