Irish Identity and the Literary Revival: Synge, Yeats, Joyce and O'Casey

Irish Identity and the Literary Revival, published in 1979, explores the complex spectrum of political, social, and other pressures that shaped modern Ireland through the works of W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, J.M. Synge, and Sean OCasey. The study focuses on the question of Irish identity and how it was a major concern for these writers, with subsidiary themes such as peasant and hero, political nationalism, Ireland's history, and cultural traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1979, Irish Identity and the Literary Revival delves into the intricate tapestry of political, social, and cultural forces that shaped modern Ireland. Through the profound works of W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, J.M. Synge, and Sean OCasey, this seminal text unravels the multifaceted spectrum of pressures that molded the nation. During the transformative years between 1890 and 1930, Ireland witnessed the coexistence of at least three distinct cultural realms: English, Irish, and Anglo-Irish. While these cultures shared a common language, they were distinguished by profound tensions and divisions. At the heart of this study lies the central theme of Irish identity, which serves as a poignant illustration of how these writers grappled with this profound concern. Subordinate yet interwoven themes constantly resurface, including the notions of the peasant and the hero, political nationalism, the significance of Ireland's history, and the validity of her cultural traditions. Rather than merely utilizing the literature as a supporting evidence for a sociological or political thesis, this comprehensive analysis allows the major themes and issues to emerge and evolve through a direct and intimate examination of the writers' works. This book holds immense appeal to students of literature and history, offering a rich and insightful exploration of the complex and evolving identity of Ireland.

Weight: 757g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032440064