National identity in the dramatic works of Yeats, Synge and O'Casey

Thesis (M.A.) , 2006 , 102 Pages , Grade: 1,85

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

“There is no great literature without nationality,
no great nationality without literature” (John O’Leary)

Although the high age of imperialism is thought to have started in the late 1870s, this does not hold true for English-speaking areas. Ireland, having been colonised by the English well over seven hundred years before, is an exception as England's oldest colony. In the course of time, all native features of the Irish, above all their Celtic history, had to give way to the colonisers' equivalents.
It was not until the nineteenth century that the Irish developed a new national consciousness. It eventually enabled them to lay claim to their native history, religion and language as well as their national identity embodied in all of these aspects. In this respect, the Irish Literary Revival is particularly decisive since its writers dedicated themselves to a new way of dramatic expression. This thesis focuses on the three key writers of the literary movement William Butler Yeats (1865-1939), John Millington Synge (1871-1909) and Sean O’Casey (1880-1964). While concentrating on a revival of the Irish past, each spreading their own version of Irishness throughout the theatres, they helped Irish literature to become Irish, to become national again.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The perception of Ireland abroad and within the country
• Resistance: a national movement in Ireland
• Decisive dramatists
• Influential groups/persons prior to the Irish Literary Revival
• Young Ireland
• Standish O'Grady's History of Ireland: Heroic Period
• Charles Steward Parnell a political precursor of the Irish Revival
• The Irish Revival – the development of a cultural revolution
• The Gaelic Athletic Association
• The Gaelic League as promoter of the Irish language
• ‘Inghinidhe na hÉireann' — An Irish feminist movement
• Yeats and the literary movement in Dublin
• The Irish Literary Theatre and the establishment of the Abbey Theatre
• Controversies: double reading of Irishness
• The first national dramatic writings of the Irish Literary Theatre
• Cathleen - the traditional female personification of Ireland
• The Countess Cathleen (1899)
• The peasants as imperfect Irish people
• Yeats's new, unconventional mode of writing
• 'Selling one's soul' in the literature and historical context of Ireland
• Devils in disguise: merchants and colonisers
• The key role of the countess
• Cathleen Ni Houlihan (1902)
• The play's historical implication
• Cathleen Ni Houlihan as the missionary of Irish patriotism
• Yeats's nationalistic message beyond the theatre
• John Millington Synge, the enfant terrible of the Abbey
• The Playboy of the Western World (1907)
• The celebrated parricide
• Christy, the anti-hero
• Pegeen, the embodiment of Irish womanhood
• The audience who performed the play
• The Playboy in line with Cathleen Ni Houlihan?
• Sean O'Casey, the post-war playwright
• Juno and the Paycock (1924)
• The male ‘paycock' in opposition to the female goddess
• O'Casey's plea for humanity
• Juno, the heroine of the domestic world

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the cultural struggle for the reawakening of Irish consciousness during the late 19th century. It focuses on three key writers of the Irish Literary Revival: William Butler Yeats, John Millington Synge, and Sean O'Casey. These dramatists sought to re-establish an Irish national identity both within Ireland and abroad.

• The impact of English colonialism on Irish identity and culture
• The role of the Irish Literary Revival in promoting a national consciousness
• The portrayal of Irish characters and themes in the dramatic works of Yeats, Synge, and O'Casey
• The controversies surrounding the representation of Irishness in theatre
• The development of a national identity through literature and theatre

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter examines the historical context of English colonialism in Ireland, highlighting the impact of colonization on Irish culture and identity. It sets the stage for the discussion of the Irish Literary Revival and its role in promoting a sense of Irish nationalism.
• Influential groups/persons prior to the Irish Literary Revival: This chapter discusses various groups and individuals who played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Ireland before the emergence of the Irish Literary Revival, providing a historical background to the movement.
• The Irish Revival – the development of a cultural revolution: This chapter explores the key aspects of the Irish Literary Revival, emphasizing its impact on Irish culture, language, and national identity. It delves into the activities of various organizations, such as the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Gaelic League, which contributed to the revival.
• Yeats and the literary movement in Dublin: This chapter focuses on the contributions of William Butler Yeats to the Irish Literary Revival, particularly his role in establishing the Irish Literary Theatre and the Abbey Theatre. It highlights the controversies surrounding the representation of Irishness in his work and the impact of his plays on Irish theatre.
• The first national dramatic writings of the Irish Literary Theatre: This chapter examines Yeats's early plays, "The Countess Cathleen" and "Cathleen Ni Houlihan," analyzing their themes, characters, and their contribution to the development of a national identity through theatre. It explores the complexities of portraying Irishness on stage and the challenges faced by Yeats in representing Irish culture.
• John Millington Synge, the enfant terrible of the Abbey: This chapter delves into the life and work of John Millington Synge, a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, focusing on his most famous play, "The Playboy of the Western World." It analyzes the play's themes, characters, and its reception by the Irish audience, highlighting the controversy surrounding its portrayal of Irish rural life.
• Sean O'Casey, the post-war playwright: This chapter explores the work of Sean O'Casey, a playwright who emerged after the First World War, examining his play "Juno and the Paycock." It analyzes the play's themes, characters, and its social commentary, showcasing O'Casey's unique perspective on Irish society and his contributions to the Irish theatre movement.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis explores the themes of national identity, colonialism, and cultural revival in Ireland. It focuses on the works of three key dramatists of the Irish Literary Revival – Yeats, Synge, and O'Casey – and their contributions to shaping a sense of Irish nationalism through their plays. The analysis examines the representation of Irish characters, themes, and controversies surrounding the portrayal of Irishness in theatre. It also explores the historical context of the Irish Literary Revival and the impact of English colonialism on Irish culture and identity.

• College: Technical University of Braunschweig (Englisches Seminar/Abteilung für Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaften der Terchnischen Universität Braunschweig)
• Grade: 1,85
• Author: Magistra Artium Inken Schulze (Author)
• Publication Year: 2006
• Pages: 102
• Catalog Number: V74757
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638681308
• ISBN (Book): 9783638718622
• Language: English
• Tags: National, Yeats, Synge, Casey