Out of time and into history: representations of changing identity in twenty-first-century Irish literature

Quinn, Anne P (2019). Out of time and into history: representations of changing identity in twenty-first-century Irish literature. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This study explores notions of changing identity in contemporary Ireland. It examines the changing nature of Irish identity as represented in works of contemporary literature produced by Irish writers at the start of the twenty-first century, spanning a twelve year period from 1999 to 2011. Drawing upon literary works of contemporary Irish literature published during this period of prolific change in Ireland, the focus of this study is to explore various aspects of Ireland’s social, economic, political, cultural and religious life during this time. Close analysis of a range of contemporary novels by celebrated award-winning popular writers will consider the ways in which each of these writers respond to the interconnected themes of history, memory and belonging to present their perspective on the experience of the contemporary in Ireland. The notion of how contemporary Irish literature reflects the development of Irish national identity in this particular time phase is explored through three key genre studies: contemporary fiction about historical events; contemporary Irish crime fiction; and twenty-first century Irish diasporic fiction. Each of these genre studies is set against concepts of the nation - both backward and forward looking - in the sense that Ireland is seeking both a return to the certainties of Catholic Ireland, whilst also seeking to create a new cultural nation-code extending beyond existing frameworks. Through the frame of these two strands of Irish identity, this study considers how Irish writers are defining possibilities of the future – through perceptions of different moments of the past and present – with boundaries that are continually being redefined.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):