Hugh is the headmaster and founder of a hedge school in Baile Beag, County Donegal. He is a well-educated man in his mid 60s who teaches a curriculum of Irish and Latin literature to local students. Hugh is passionately devoted to Irish and classical mythology (as evidenced by his continuous references to the Aeneid)and bristles at the intrusion of British influence, both in the presence of English soldiers and less overtly-threatening imperial gestures, such as Yolland’s allusion to Wordsworth (50). In spite of his loyalties, Hugh recognizes that Ireland is in a state of transition and in order to survive as an instructor, he will soon need to teach the English language. 

Hugh is also a chronic, high-functioning alcoholic and is constantly seen drinking throughout the play (though he is seldom drunk). He is the father of Owen and Manus, his “lame” (1) son who assists him with the hedge school as an unpaid instructor. Owen divulges that Manus is “lame” because when Manus was a baby, Hugh fell while drunk and badly injured his son’s leg (43). For Hugh and his sons, alcohol is a complexly problematic force, inspiring

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