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Literature of Ireland

Quincanna Becnel
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Ireland has a long rich history of producing profound literature, from catchy limericks to epic

poems, from plays, to novels. Much of the literature, like all cultures, centers on life in Ireland

and expresses the Irish spirit, though there are large swaths of Irish literature that is influenced by

their diverse and storied history. It is simplest to look at the development of Irish literature

throughout its history, in brief here, looking at the Middle Ages, Classical, and Modern period.

This will provide insight into the influences and evolution of Irish literature over time.
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In her dissertation on early Irish literature Bella Schauman laments the scarcity of pure Irish

literature from the 5th through the 7th century. She happens upon very few works on parchment,

and those she discovers are heavily influenced by pagan traditions and then manuscripts, in the

early Irish tradition, heavily influenced by Christian beliefs in the period of the 700s. Schauman

explains that prior to this period much of the literature, in poetic or prose forms, was committed

to memory, and that you see a shift from this oratory expression and history to a development of

Irish scrip that resulted in these poems and stories taking written form. After this there was

period heavily influenced by invaders such as the Normans from 1100s-1500s. In the 1600s the

Irish pride became evident as Irish mythology and history was compiled into the Annals of the

Four Masters, which provided deep insight into the perspectives of the Irish people throughout

their history, and through their literature (Williams, 1959). Fast forward to the modern era, and

you will find a plethora of well-known literary artists, who transported people to the Irish Isle

without ever leaving their own shores, or who made them understand the heart of the Irish

people, like Plunkett, who wrote in the Irish language, and expressed the political disillusion

through his works, or the playwright George Bernard Shaw, whos plays chronicled the

interactions of ordinary people and intersections between the classes, in Ireland. The work of

C.S. Lewis, which has captured the imagination of children and adults alike, all over the world,

through The Chronicles of Narnia, was heavily influenced by Irish mythos and history. The Irish

literature of today often reflects political and religious views, and seeks to influence others

through this work, such as the poetry of Derek Mahon.

Ireland boasts a diverse literary tradition, influenced by Irelands own varied history,

though maintaining the common thread of reflecting the sentiments of the Irish people. We can

see through the work of Joyce, one of Irelands most famous writers, the influence of the Greek
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classics, and Beckett, the influences of the French traditions, but these writers and much of the

literature of Ireland maintained their Irish roots. As Irish literature continued to evolve and

presently often reflects the political views of its people. As the Christian religious tradition is

strong within Ireland Christianity is also often a theme in the works of Irish literature. Those

Irish who have gone out into the diaspora and returned also bring unique perspectives, and

considering Irelands rapid growth on the global front, it is likely that their literature will

continue to find an even wider audience and continue to evolve.

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References

Schauman, B. (1979). Early Irish Manuscripts: The Art of the Scribes. Retrieved from

https://www.penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/21-3/Schauman.pdf

Williams, C. (1992). The Irish Literary Tradition. Belmont, MA. Ford & Bailie Publishing.