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Irish Literature reflects the history and the spirit or the Irish people better than any other form. This literature consists of folk tales, lyric and narrative poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. Irish Literature is especially noted for its imaginative use of language.
Early English legends describe the brave deeds of kings, saints, and other Irish heroes. Many lyric poems written by monks during the Middle Age shows a keen observation and devout appreciation of nature. A number of plays produced in Ireland in the early 1900¡¦s express outrage at Britain¡¦s refusal to grant Irish independence.
Early Irish literature was written in the Irish, or Gaelic language. In the 12th century, Norman barons from England began to seize Irish lands. The English language was introduced into Ireland by English artisans and shopkeepers, who settled on the Normans¡¦ estates. The English government seized control of Ireland in the middle of the 16th century. By the 1800¡¦s, the use of English had become so widespread that Gaelic almost died out. An outburst of Irish nationalism led to the revival of Gaelic during the late 1800¡¦s. But today, nearly all Irish authors write in English.
Many modern Irish authors use the vivid, earthy, everyday language of the people. But many of their works blend realism with fantasy. Exuberant descriptions adds to the richness of the language, as do irony, puns, and satire. Yet, a melancholy, almost pessimistic mood strongly flavours much modern Irish literature.
f¶fÑfÝfßfåfãfnfçfâfÙfäfÕfâfã. Ireland has produced an amazing number of well known writers. Many of these personalities have established their names world-wide.
The following is a brief guide to some of the most famous authors, who were born in Ireland or lived there for a considerable period of time.
Samuel Becket: novelist and dramatist; awarded the Nobel Prize of Literature;
Works: Murphy, Silence;
James Joyce: poet and writer; in his house is now a museum in his memory;
Works: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man;
Sean O¡¦Casey: originally a labourer. O¡¦Casey became one of Ireland¡¦s most famous dramatists.
Works: The shadow of a Gunman, Purple Dust;
Jonathan Swift: known mainly as a satirist, became dean of St. Patrick¡¦s;
Works: Gulliver¡¦s Travels¡¦;
Oscar Wild: born in Dublin, moved to London;
Works: The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of being Earnest;
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