Nationalism In Cathleen Ni Houlihan

Cathleen ni Houlihan, one of Ireland’s most renowned literary texts, was written by William Butler Yeats and Lady Augusta Gregory in 1902. At the time, Yeats 's career was very focused on nationalism, which explains why it serves as one of the main themes in the work (Doggett, pp. 180). Yeats and Gregory set the play during the Rebellion of 1798, an event that evolved from Ireland’s long desire to separate from the British empire. Historically-speaking, Britain not only colonized Ireland but also held political, economic and social control in the country. Irish people, particularly nationalists, always struggled to gain independence. Even after the Renaissance, Ireland was never truly independent due to the great influence of British culture

Headrick and Kearny (pp. 7) suggest that in literature specifically, the Irish state has been characterized as a woman in need of security. Yet, even though the Irish people longed to be independent for years, they seemed to always stray away from an image of aggression. As Ireland has remained non-violent and ethical as a victim of immense torture from the British male bully for centuries, her character also expresses the same honourable characteristics. In this particular play, Ireland is portrayed through the role of Cathleen ni Houlihan. As a well-known figure in Irish culture, she has been the leading character in many literary texts to personify an independent and separate Irish state. In Yeats’ and Gregory’s piece specifically, Cathleen ni Houlihan is played as the old

9). This image represents the rebirth of an infant country no longer dominated by British rule. It also symbolizes Ireland’s hope that her newfound youth would blossom into a more positive history compared to the country’s more pessimistic past of adversity. This stems from the hope that Ireland will become an independent woman who is able to care for herself. The only reason why the old woman was able to turn young again, though, is because of Michael’s sacrifice for his country. Ireland’s rebirth as a separate nation outside of the British empire, then, is only possible as a result of many young men 's blood sacrifices (McCourt et al., pp. 149). This further signifies the important role of nationalism in Irish culture as it encourages action towards fighting for independence.

Yeats’s and Gregory’s portrayal of Ireland as an enduring woman in need of protection from British thieves further signifies the meaning behind nationalism in Irish culture. Ultimately, it is a nationalist perspective that motivates young men to sacrifice their lives for the hope that Mother Ireland will regain youthfulness as she withdraws from Britain. Nationalism, then, is a continually existing attribute of Irish culture that signifies hope, a wish that has brought the Irish people something they always longed for: true