3406 - Voices of Ireland: A Feast of Irish Short Stories (Bert and Jill Parks)
Course Description
Instructors: Bert and Jill Parks
Irish literature is renowned for its rich story telling tradition. The Irish short story evolved naturally from the ancient tradition of oral storytelling in Ireland. By the mid-nineteenth century Irish writers had begun to use the English language to record the lives, and to convey the thoughts of the ordinary people – mostly impoverished ones. Writers such as James Joyce, Claire Keegan, Frank O’Conner, and Frank McCourt are masterful examples of this legacy. Each of these writers brings unique insights into Irish life, culture and history, while their works explore universal themes that resonate with readers worldwide.
Join us for this four week class where we will study such writers as James Joyce who revolutionized the short story form with his collection Dubliners; Claire Keegan, whose stories are known for their emotional depth and lyrical prose; Frank O’Connor, whose stories focus on ordinary people grappling with love, loneliness, and moral dilemmas; Frank McCourt whose descriptions of poverty, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience offer a look at hardship while celebrating resilience and humor. These are just a few of the storytellers we will tackle.