Mailí

Role in the Story:

Mailí is one of the few characters in An Triail who shows real kindness and compassion toward Máire. A prostitute, she is looked down on by society, but her actions demonstrate far more humanity than many of the so-called "respectable" characters in the play.

Relationships with Other Characters:

• Máire Ní Chathasaigh: Mailí is one of the only people who offers Máire real support. She provides Máire with a place to stay when her house falls down.

Key Actions in the Play:

1. Offers Máire Shelter: After Máire's house falls down, Mailí welcomes her into her own home. She helps her to find a job that allows her to stay at home with her daughter.

2. Testifies in Court: Mailí gives a testimony in court, explaining how she found Máire and her daughter dead after the gas incident. She is one of the few characters who expresses genuine sadness and sympathy for her.

Symbolism/Importance:

Mailí symbolises kindness in a society that is otherwise harsh and judgmental. Mailí's character highlights the hypocrisy of those who judge others based on appearances rather than actions.

Aidiachtaí

Cinéalta	Kind
Cabhrach	Helpful
Réchúiseach	Even-tempered
Tuisceanach	Understanding
Láidir	Strong

Ról

• Is striapach í Mailí.
  • Mailí is a prostitute.
• Tá sí imeallaithe ag an tsochaí.
  • She is marginalised by society.

1. Mailí sa teach tearmainn

(Mailí in the teach tearmainn/refuge)

• Bhuail Máire le Mailí sa teach tearmainn.
  • Máire met Mailí in the 'teach tearmainn'.
• Mhinigh Mailí córas na haltramachta do Mháire.
  • Mailí explained the adoption system to Máire.
• Ar dtús, dhealraigh sé go raibh Mailí sásta an leanbh a chur ar altramas. Ach, nuair a chuir Máire cúpla ceist eile uirthi, tháinig fearg uirthi.
  • At first, it seemed that Mailí was happy to put her child up for adoption. But, when Máire asked her a couple of other questions, she became angry.
• Taispeánann sé sin go raibh sí míshásta agus go raibh sí ag fulaingt.
  • That shows that she was unhappy and that she was suffering.

2. Thug sí cabhair do Mháire

(She helped Máire)

• Nuair a thit teach Máire anuas, bhí sí fághtha gan dídean.
  • When Máire's house fell down, she was left without shelter.
• Thog Mailí Máire go dtí a teach féin. Fuair sí obair oiriúnach di- bhí Máire in ann fanacht sa bhaile lena hiníon.
  • Mailí took Máire to her own house. She got suitable work for her-Máire was able to stay at home with her daughter.
• Tá drochmheas ag an tsochaí ar Mailí. Is duine imeallach í.
  • Society has no respect for Mailí. She is a marginalised person.
• Is iorónta an rud é gur duine den bheagan í a thaispeánann aon charthanacht do Mháire.
  • It is ironic that she is one of the few people who shows any charity to Máire.
• Tá neart Mhailí le brath nuair a mhíníonn sí do na haturnaetha go ndearna sí a dícheall ar son Mháire.
  • Mailí's strength can be felt when she explains to the attorney that she did her best for Máire.