Rough Beasts: The Monstrous in Irish Fiction, 1800-2000

Monsters and supernatural malefactors disrupt the human world in distinct ways, such as werewolves and cunning beasts, demons, and fairies. Irish history has been punctured by dramatic ruptures, such as the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849, which has led to the flourishing of monstrous imagery in Irish literature. This book examines the role of horror and monstrosity in Ireland's history and culture, looking at how ghosts, malevolent magicians, shape-shifters, cryptids, and the corporeal undead oppose human agency by 'breaking history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Monsters and other supernatural malefactors disrupt the human world in distinct ways, challenging the philosophical distinction between human and animal. Werewolves and cunning beasts challenge the boundaries of humanity, while demons offer deceptive pacts to prey upon our delusions of mastery over the world. Capricious fairies claim dominion over the landscape and exact disproportionate revenge for our intrusions. When a monster appears, human history must halt until it departs.

In contrast, Irish history has been punctured by dramatic ruptures, such as the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849. Monstrous imagery flourishes in these ruptures, making it unsurprising that Irish literature boasts a great many rough beasts and ravenous corpses.

In this book, various monsters from Irish literature are considered in different historical contexts to illustrate the role of horror and monstrosity in Ireland's history and culture. From the Act of Union to the death of the Celtic Tiger, hordes of night-creatures arise in times of crisis, embodying chaos and absurdity. Building upon the critical framework established in Irish Science Fiction (2014), this study examines the specific ways in which ghosts, malevolent magicians, shape-shifters, cryptids, and the corporeal undead oppose human agency by "breaking history."

The appearance of a monster disrupts the normal course of human history, causing a pause until it disappears. This is particularly true in Irish history, which has been marked by significant ruptures, such as the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849. During these times, monstrous imagery thrives, and it is not surprising that Irish literature features numerous rough beasts and ravenous corpses.

In this book, we explore the role of horror and monstrosity in Irish literature by examining various monsters from different historical contexts. We consider monsters such as werewolves, cunning beasts, demons, capricious fairies, and the corporeal undead. We examine how these monsters challenge the boundaries of humanity, exploit our delusions of mastery over the world, and exact disproportionate revenge for our intrusions.

One of the key themes that emerge from our analysis is the way in which monsters disrupt the human world and challenge the established order. Werewolves, for example, challenge the distinction between human and animal, blurring the lines between the two. Demons, on the other hand, offer deceptive pacts to prey upon our delusions of mastery, promising us power and control if we obey their rules. Capricious fairies, meanwhile, claim dominion over the landscape and exact revenge for our intrusions, often using their supernatural powers to wreak havoc on human lives.

Another theme that emerges is the way in which monsters are used to explore and comment on social and political issues. During the Great Famine, for example, monsters such as the Blight and the Famine Witch were used to symbolize the devastating effects of poverty and hunger on the Irish people. These monsters were used to evoke sympathy and compassion for the victims of the famine, and to draw attention to the political and social injustices that led to their suffering.

In addition to their role in exploring social and political issues, monsters are also used to evoke fear and terror in the reader. They are often depicted as grotesque and terrifying, with features that are designed to evoke disgust and repulsion. This is particularly true in the case of the corporeal undead, such as zombies and vampires, who are often depicted as relentless and unstoppable, capable of infecting and devouring entire populations.

Despite their dark and terrifying nature, monsters can also be used to explore themes of resilience and survival. Many monsters, such as the hero of Irish folklore, the warrior Finn McCool, are depicted as fierce and determined, capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges. These characters are often used to inspire hope and courage in the reader, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and determination to overcome our fears and achieve our goals.

In conclusion, monsters and other supernatural malefactors disrupt the human world in distinct ways, challenging the philosophical distinction between human and animal, exploiting our delusions of mastery, and exacting disproportionate revenge for our intrusions. Irish history has been punctured by dramatic ruptures, such as the Great Famine, which have provided fertile ground for the growth of monstrous imagery. In this book, we explore the role of horror and monstrosity in Irish literature by examining various monsters from different historical contexts. We demonstrate how these monsters challenge the boundaries of humanity, exploit our delusions, and evoke fear and terror in the reader. However, we also show how monsters can be used to explore social and political issues, evoke resilience and survival, and inspire hope and courage. By studying the role of monsters in Irish literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of Irish history and culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802076936