To paraphrase Yeats, they had an abiding sense of tragedy which sustained them through temporary periods of joy. I can't say enough about this movie! First, it made me proud to be Irish(ERIN GO BRAGH!) and second, proud to be female. I love how strong these women were; especially the three young sisters, dealing with Kate when she refused to agree to go to the festival and dance. I was mad at young Michael's mother; how could she stay with such an irresponsible partner?
The best part was the jig scene; they were all for just a few moments, in their desolation, luminous with joy; but as soon as the music stopped, it was gone, and they stood there, motionless, proving that what WB Yeats wrote WAS true: "Being Irish, he[they] had an abiding sense of tragedy which sustained him[them] through temporary periods of joy." It's incredible how some people cannot hold on to happy moments without also expecting the worst.