As in most of O'Casey's works, this play relies on the use of authentic Irish common speech, identified with a thick Irish brogue, or accent, to identify the working-class characters. For example, during one of the first conversations between Ayamonn and his mother, Mrs. Breydon says, "You'll undermine your health with all you're doin,' tearin' away what's left of your time be runnin' afther"The use of the word "doin,'" instead of "doing"; "afther," instead of "after"; and "runnin,'" instead of "running"all uses that are not technically proper Englishidentify the speech as common. Likewise, the omission of the word "to," which in proper English would precede the phrase "be runnin' afther," identifies the language as common speech.