Teaching the Twentieth-Century Irish Short Story in the Sixth-Form Classroom in Northern Ireland: A Literary-Critical Exploration. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanratty, Brian
• Is Part Of: Changing English. Volume 28:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Irish short story -- literary-critical exploration -- form -- theme -- cultural and historical contexts; English literature -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; English language -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 410
• DOI: 10.1080/1358684X.2021.1893155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-684X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper is predicated on an argument for presenting the Irish short story as a statutory recommendation within the A Level English syllabus in Northern Ireland (and also, perhaps, in syllabi set by Examination Boards in other parts of the United Kingdom). Employing a carefully considered literary-critical perspective, the paper offers a detailed evaluation of a representative selection of twentieth-century Irish short stories. The first part, sub-divided into two sections, provides, firstly, some observations about form in the Irish short story and, secondly, it offers some historical and social contexts which provide a backcloth to the evolution of the short story as the twentieth century progressed. The second part, in exploring a carefully selected range of stories, seeks to highlight both their thematic richness and their well-honed craftsmanship. Some of the themes which emerge, and which arguably have universal resonances, include the trauma of emigration, the changing role of women in a society beginning to loosen the shackles of patriarchy, and the inhumanity of war.