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In this collection of articles we look at three female Irish poets. The first two - Ellen O’Leary (1831-1889) and Katharine Tynan (1859-1931) - wrote in English. Though these poets are not very widely known today, they were extremely popular and influential during their lifetimes especially in Irish nationalist circles. The poet W.B. Yeats admired and promoted the work of both women.
The third writer- Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (b.1952 ) - is a contemporary poet writing in Irish. Her work is widely acclaimed and has been translated by many leading English-language poets.
We will look at a single poem by each writer. We hope you will find the poems enjoyable in themselves, as well as giving you an opportunity to explore how this poetry addresses various ideas about nation and gender in an Irish context. We also start to look at how poetic language can shape reader responses and notions of identity.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of these articles, you should have:
- gained introductory knowledge of three women poets important for the development of Irish literature
- started to appreciate how poets address questions of gender and nationality through their use of literary form and language
- started to think about how a poem can give rise to diverse interpretations
Meet the poets
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Three Irish Poets – Ellen O'Leary
Read now to access more details of Three Irish Poets – Ellen O'LearyLearn about the life of Ellen O'Leary, one of the most influencial Irish poets of the 19th Century.
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Three Irish Poets – Katherine Tynan
Read now to access more details of Three Irish Poets – Katherine TynanActive from the 1880s to 1931, Katherine Tynan was a popular writer who produced a great deal of work. Learn about her perspective on Irish nationalism, Catholicism and traditional female roles.
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Three Irish Poets – Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
Listen now to access more details of Three Irish Poets – Nuala Ní DhomhnaillMeet the modern poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, who writes in Irish Gaelic.
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I bookmarked this for later thinking that it might become a course with a badge Here on open learn or might later be featured on Future Learn as a class.
Scott Lord - 6 May 2016 6:01am
I bookmarked this for later thinking that it might become a course with a badge Here on open learn or might later be featured on Future Learn as a class.