Exiles

Background

Exiles is a play by James Joyce that includes three acts; the play was written in 1914, finished in 1915, and published in 1918. The play is set in Dublin in 1912, shortly after Ireland struggles for independence. Despite the efforts made by Joyce and American poet and critic Ezra Pound, to whom Joyce had shown the manuscript before his publication, the play was rejected to be produced; ,however, it was rediscovered in 1970 and made into a London play (directed by Harold Pinter). The plot of the story revolves around a complicated love affair of a man (Robert) who meets a married woman (Bertha), who he used to love, and her husband (Richard), whom he used to drink alcohol with. The central point of the play is the sense of doubt about what occurred between Acts Two and Three, the uncertainty about whether the affair between Robert and Bertha has actually happened or not.

Characters

 The play centers on four main characters:

1. Richard Rowan: A writer who has returned to Dublin after living in exile in Rome for nine years. He is based on Joyce himself.

2. Bertha Rowan: Richard’s common-law wife, who has accompanied him during his exile. She is modeled on Nora Barnacle.

3. Robert Hand: A journalist and Richard’s friend from childhood. He has remained in Dublin and represents a link to Richard’s past.

4. Beatrice Justice: Robert’s cousin and a close friend of Richard and Bertha.

Summary

ACT 1

Richard Rowan is an author hoping to establish his family in Ireland, his homeland, after spending time overseas in Rome. He has brought his common-law wife, Bertha, and their son, Archie, with him. Upon returning to Ireland, he runs into an ex named Bertha, her current boyfriend, and Richard’s old pal, Robert Hand. Introductions aside, Robert makes a move on Bertha in Richard’s home that evening. They kiss passionately for a while before he invites her to his place later that night. Of course, Bertha tells Richard about the advances, but she tells him she’s considering the offer. Jealous, he tells her to make her own decisions.

ACT 2

Robert patiently waits in his home for Bertha’s arrival, but he’s surprised to see Richard. Richard confronts him about his girlfriend’s seduction. Suddenly, Bertha arrives. Taking the message, Richard leaves her to her own affairs and returns home. Bertha spends some intimate, romantic time with Robert, but the audience is not informed whether or not they make love. Afterward, she speaks fondly to him.

ACT 3

Early the following day, Bertha awakens at home to the maid’s announcement that Richard has left the house early. He’s gone for a walk to clear his head. Bertha notes an article in the paper written about Richard by Robert. He’s decided to stroke Richard’s ego by celebrating his return to Ireland. Robert and Bertha verbally agree that last night was a dream, but circumstances won’t allow the audience to believe this. Robert visits Richard in order to persuade him that nothing happened the previous night between him and Bertha. He claims to have written that newspaper piece at home, picked up a woman at a nightclub, and spent the night with her. Although he does not believe in Robert’s alibi, Richard returns home to Bertha and makes up with her. He confesses that he secretly wanted to feel cheated last night to revive a sense of passion and intrigue for her. In his arms, Bertha confesses how badly she longs for her “lover,” claiming it is Richard, but there is some obvious room for doubt in her profession.

Theme

 Freedom and Possessiveness

The concept of freedom is central to the play. Richard believes in allowing Bertha the freedom to make her own choices, even if it means risking her infidelity. This belief is rooted in his desire to transcend traditional notions of marriage and possessiveness. Richard’s willingness to let Bertha choose whether or not to be with Robert is a radical stance that challenges conventional morality.