Discuss the representation of rebellion in the work of one or more Anglo-Irish poet or dramatist. I have chosen the work of Patrick Pearse, and W.B. Yeats.

Authors Avatar

Discuss the representation of rebellion in the work of one or more Anglo-Irish poet or dramatist. I have chosen the work of Patrick Pearse, and W.B. Yeats.

The theme of rebellion in any work of Anglo-Irish literature will always be sensitively expressed and treated, since the imposition of another country’s will has created what appears to be almost an identity of reaction. One only has to look at the extreme presentation of in John Bull’s Other Island to see how a stereotype is utilised as a tool to undermine those who have imposed it on the Irish. Yet when it comes to open rebellion, the tools used are more subtle and deep-rooted than a strong brogue and a predilection for strong liquor. Writers have used variously the strength of motherhood, duty to the nation, the pastoral scene and the threat of not conforming to the authentic role of a true patriot. How effective all of these approaches are depends, both on the style and intent of the writer, and the different approaches reflect not only on the attitudes of the expected audience, but more importantly on those taken by the author. Thus we can observe the broad stretch of reactions to the 1916 uprising, and the wishes of separate social groups’ hopes for what it might bring. Pearse for example seems obsessed with the idea of the ‘authentic’ and ‘real’ Irishman, and takes pains to remind his audience that in the end, if you have any pride in you country at all you will easily take up the banner and fight to prove your loyalty. O’Casey on the other hand, shows us the reactions of the peasantry to the conflict, and is there to show that in the end it is the community which will survive the tense political environment, not the institutions that spring up around it or because of it. Both points appear persuasive, but they have vastly differing ramifications for the populace of Ireland.

Patrick ‘Padraic’ Pearse, born in 1879 in Dublin grew up in fairly comfortable middle class surroundings, and began an obsession with the history and importance of Irish heritage whilst still young, possibly under the influence of his Irish Aunt, and this made him perfect constituent of the nascent Gaelic League, whose efforts were directed at promoting the revival of Irish literature and language. This preoccupation with returning to the legendary status of Ireland before British rule is therefore understandable, and is evinced in both his political comments and his literature, such as ‘The Rebel’ “I have come of the seed of the people…Of an Ancient glory/ My mother bore me in bondage”. This is both an understandable view given the nature of England’s control in Ireland, and compelling since it is designed to appeal to the patriot, and invokes the lives of ancestors to imply allegiance to all those that have lived to create you. This connection to the history of each Irish citizen elevates them in Pearse’s work, attributing to them the defiant and powerful qualities that would be easily recognisable to the populace from the oral tradition of storytelling. “I that have a soul greater than the soul of my people’s masters, / I that have vision and prophecy and the gift of fiery speech”. Pearse’s intentions however, regardless of how valid or mythically inspiring they may be, appear narrow minded at times, and ill conceived.

Join now!

“When the position of Ireland's language as her greatest heritage is once fixed, all other matters will insensibly adjust themselves”. This quote from Pearse regarding the effect that his work with the Gaelic League appears to have worthy intent, but seems to be expecting miracles to occur simply because the language has been restored, and the influence of their oppressors reduced. Whilst this may have some basis in fact, there is no denying that Pearse’s gung-ho attitude is precisely the kind of reactionary zeal that we would anticipate from a man destined to rebel. That he turned from his ...

This is a preview of the whole essay