Show how the Writer deals with the social consequences of emigration on the live of the characters portrayed in the Irish short stories studied in class.

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English Literature coursework

Show how the Writer deals with the social consequences of emigration on the live of the characters portrayed in the Irish short stories studied in class.

In the mid nineteenth century in Ireland a disease spread among the potato crop, which was the staple diet for thousands. The potato blight destroyed most of the potato crop and this cause many deaths through starvation and malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of people left Ireland in seek of a better life. Many went to England and some to Australia but most went to America. When they reached their destinations they were often disappointed by the harsh reality that met them. Some were successful and became wealthy but most lived impoverished hard lives in American cities where conditions were almost as bad as in Ireland.

Many young people moved away from rural villages and towns to go to America in search of good fortune. The first story “Going Into Exile,” Is a story of a young brother and sister from a small Island off the west coast of Ireland. It is a small Island with a closely-knit community.

At the beginning of the story the whole community gather in the Feeny household for a leaving party to celebrate the impending emigration of Michael and Mary. The party has been paid for by an uncle, this and the fact that the money for the travelling has been sent by an aunt emphasises on the interdependence of families in rural Ireland at that time.

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Despite the singing and dancing the atmosphere in the house is melancholy.  The gaiety of the celebration is tinged with sadness.

“Forced boisterous gaiety failed to hide to the their real purpose of being there.”

The father regularly leaves the house and tells others it is to check on a pig but really there is no pig to check. He cannot bear to stay in the house surrounded by dancing and singing while his heart is breaking.

“He could make nothing at all of his thoughts, but a lump always came up his throat, and he shivered although ...

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