All literature must be read as a symbolic meditation on the destiny of community. (Fredric Jameson)
Lawrence Gough - Excursion to Dublin in March 2010
Poets, Playwrights and Patriots - A Literary and Historical Saunter through Dublin
Dublin or to use its Irish name, Baile Àtha Cliath (town on the ford of hurdles) is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. Dublinʼs architecture is not majestic. It does not boast the treasures of Paris, London or Rome, but to my mind, it possesses something far more important; a use of language that has produced some of the most important writers ever to put pen to paper. Dublin men and women (a Dubliner
is someone who was born in the city, but his/her parents came from rural Ireland) have their own particular view on and of life. To see a barrel chested citizen say with dazzling pride and indignation, his eyes ablaze, “I am a Dubbelinman“. This is not only a statement of origin - it is a challenge to the world and his wife - it is a dare to better him at what he is champion at: talking! Dublin is a city of talkers.
Dublin wit is sharp, nearly lethal. The average citizen does not judge nor is judged by the bulk of his/her wallet, or his/her clothes. The art of conversation, the stories and yarns are the critera by which one is either accepted or merely dismissed as having nothing to say.
It is reported that when James Joyce enquired of Sylvia Beach as to how the sales of Ulysses were going, she replied,
“James, it is doing very well in Rome.“
“And what about Paris?“ enquired James.
“We can be very satisfied with the sales.“ she answered.
“And what about dear Dublin?“ asked James.
With a little hesitation, Sylvia Beach sighed and said,
“Ah, thatʼs a bit of a problem. Very poorly, most of the citizens of Dublin feel that they could have written it themselves, itʼs just they havenʼt got
the time!“
Dublin is a city of verbal anarchy.
General Comments
Date: Early March 2010; Maximum 15 students.
Flight: Aer Lingus, Düss/Dub/Düss
Accomodation: Mespil Hotel
if booking is early enough, students sharing rooms, this is a wonderful setting for a literary tour of Dublin. The hotel is situated on the bank of the Grand Canal, 50 metres from Patrick Kavanghʼs seat and in the centre of Baggotania.
Those interested in participating should contact me immediately: infogoughde
There will be a preliminary meeting on Tuesday, 17th of November, at 4 p.m. in Room 23.03.01.43.
