 Sean, unschooled in Irish customs, professes no interest in obtaining the dowry; but to Mary Kate the dowry represents her sense of personal value not only within her family's own history but within the surrounding community as well.She insists that the dowry is hers and must be received to validate their marriage.Angered and shamed by Sean's refusal to confront her brother and demand what is legally hers, she brands him a coward; and, despite living together, they are estranged as husband and wife.