Purgatory Questions and Answers
Purgatory
The Old Man's Motive for Murder in "Purgatory"
The old man's motive for murder in "Purgatory" is primarily driven by his desire to release his mother's spirit from the cycle of torment and to seek retribution for the ruin she brought upon their...
Purgatory
What happens to souls in purgatory according to W. B. Yeats's play?
According to W. B. Yeats's play, the souls of the dead in purgatory return to the scene of the transgressions they committed when they were alive and reenact them. This way, they understand the...
Purgatory
What feelings does the Old Man in "Purgatory" have towards his mother?
The old man in "Purgatory" has complex feelings towards his mother. He criticizes her for marrying beneath her class, resulting in the downfall of their family home due to her husband's reckless...
Purgatory
In Purgatory, what obsessions drive the Old Man to return to the ruined house with the Boy?
The Old Man is obsessed with releasing his mother from purgatory. He feels that once she is released, he will be able to free himself from the painful memories of his childhood.