Mr. Lockhart

Mr. Lockhart symbolizes the devil and evil in general. He has come to Sharky’s house to take his soul. This sinister act certainly qualifies Mr. Lockhart as the devil. He is commonly linked to gambling and alcohol, which support their sinful interpretation.

Alcohol

In general, alcohol symbolizes addiction and sin. Most of the characters suffer from alcoholism. Sharky in particular has an extreme issue with drinking. He attempts to stop drinking, but stress induced by the devil causes him to drink once again.

Gambling

In this play, gambling symbolizes contracts. Betting in this play is treated as sacrosanct as a formal contract. Sharky quite literally gambles with the devil for his soul.

Poteen

Poteen symbolizes not only alcohol in general but also the pinnacle of spirits, as poteen is the most potent of spirits. Sharky drinks it in gulps, thus showing his true alcoholism...