# Class and Poverty in Short Plays

> Theme guide for Short Plays by J. M. Synge.

The struggles of the rural poor and tinkers are central, with characters like Sarah and Michael Byrne bargaining for marriage fees, and the Tramp wandering without shelter, highlighting economic hardship and social marginalization.

## Where it surfaces

- [Act I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_plays_2_se/chapters/act-i): Sarah and Michael struggle to afford a wedding, highlighting the economic hardships of the tinker class. The priest demands a pound or a crown plus ten shillings, showing how poverty limits their choices.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_plays_2_se/themes/class_and_poverty
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_plays_2_se/themes