Some stories rely more heavily on the environment to advance their plots and themes than others. This is the case of Juno and the Paycock by Sean O'Casey. The play follows the plight of a working-class family in Ireland during the civil war that rocked that country in 1922. This divisive political backdrop to the story reflects how the characters are disconnected from each other and do not react as a cohesive unit working towards a single goal. Economic difficulties play a primary role in the breakdown of the family unit. Another aspect of the setting is the ritualistic religious beliefs of the characters, particularly Johnny, in their attempt to escape their dilemmas. The family's financial dilemma, the disunity of the political framework upon which their story is painted, and their superstitious religious beliefs define the setting of the play and how the surrounding environment successfully stifles the characters' happiness. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Boyle family's struggle to communicate with each other is echoed in the dissension occurring among the Irish outside their door. The citizens of the country separated into two opposing camps, the Free Staters and the diehards. When they should be working towards the common goal of independence from Britain, they are instead pitting brother against brother in a needless and bloody explosion of violence. Likewise, within the Boyle household – where their situation is such that all family members can be expected to work towards the common goal of self-sufficiency and financial security – there is a multiplicity of different individuals at work, often in difficulty with each other. -purposes. Mrs. Boyle works hard to keep the entire family's finances above water. Taking advantage of this situation is Mr. Boyle, the father, who normally should be the head of the family but is instead a lazy drunkard and a despicable role model for his son. That son, Johnny, in the meantime is held prisoner by the guilt he feels for having betrayed one of his political companions. Meanwhile, daughter Mary is trying to escape reality both inside and outside the house by reading books. The family is detached and alienated from each other, fighting each other over their values ​​and beliefs, just as Irish citizens do outside of their tenement. Financial worries can bring a family together or tear them apart completely; in this situation such concerns are realizing the latter. As the show begins, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a family in dire financial straits. The mother is the only member currently working as Mary is on strike from work. Mr. Boyle is falling into the habit of drinking, carousing and spending what little money he can find. "You'd think he brings in twenty quid a week the way he goes. He ran out of health insurance long ago, after he ran out of dole, and now he's trying to wear me down" (69), Mrs. Boyle says of her husband . He's an indolent slob who doesn't care where his money comes from as long as he isn't forced to earn it through work. A pair of legs, apparently for fun, prevents Mr. Boyle from taking a job, sending the family deeper into a financial spiral. Johnny can't work at all because he's missing an arm and his hip has been blown to pieces. It is quite possible that financial gain played a role in his decision to betray his friend Tancredi. The Boyles need a miracle, and it seems a miracle comes when an unexpected inheritance appears., 1998. 67-148.