The Interface between Literature and Politics: James Joyce’s Ulysses and Frank McGuiness’ Observing the Sons of Ulster as a Case Study
Year: 2022
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to explore the interface between literature and politics by analyzing works by two Irish writers: Ulysses by James Joyce and Observing the Sons of Ulster by Frank McGuiness.The study attempts to show that although Joyce like many modernists declared his full indifference towards politics and refused to accept the Irish Revival, his novel reveals his strong concern by both WWI and Irish nationalism.Unlike Joyce Frank McGuiness is deeply involved in the history of Ireland.His works have a continual subtext of broad political concern.In Observing the Sons of Ulster marching towards Somme McGuiness explores through the consciousness of a war veteran how both the battle of Somme and the battle of Boyne have come to have a significant place in Northern Ireland unionist consciousness.A comparative study of these two works clearly shows the impact of political issues on both of them.However, the difference in the author's position is apparent in the manner these issues are rendered: Joyce tends to be ironic whereas McGuiness gives a more personal outlook which awakens some empathy towards his characters.
Author: Tamar Gelashvili
Institution: Tbilisi State University
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4312439720