The impact of the Great Famine upon Irish Poetry

Abstract

[Abstract] This paper analyses the importance that Irish history has in relation to Irish Literature, specifically in this case, a thorough investigation of the Great Famine and its impact upon Irish poetry. Moreover, I will scrutinise and explore my favourite poems of famous Irish poets who were inspired by the events of the Great famine, so as to further examine exactly how they paid a poignant tribute to this horrible chapter of Irish history. In regards to the layout and structure of this investigation, the paper is divided into two main parts: a theoretical one which will be used as a conceptual framework to compliment a practical part that will be carried out and performed afterwards. The main objective of the second part of this investigation is the exploration and appraisal of certain poems using the historical and literary features which have been highlighted in the first section, consequently garnering a greater understanding of the meaning the poems have, in accordance to their authors.