The image of Irish-American in American Literature

The image of Irish-American in American Literature In Engles (2001) tactile sensation an image of an Irish immigrant in American literature appears to be a negative one. For instance, in the nineteenth-century when Irish mass immigration to the United States began, a motive of the uneducated, ill-manne difference of opinion Irish actor became extremely favourite in American culture and literature. Engle refers to the research conducted by a historian Dale Knobel, in which he examines about 1600 references to Irish-Americans from 1820 to 1860. As a result of his positive study of press, popular fiction and government documents, an image of the paddy field stereotype has been formed. Yet, it take to be pinpointed that it was overwhelmingly negative imputable to the fact that it emphasise violent nature as well(p) as lacking(p) intellect. Picture 1 Cartoons for magazines such as Harpers hebdomadary have cartoons by Thomas Nast and depicted Irish immigrants as ape-like barbarians prostrate to lawlessness, laziness and drunkenness. St. Patricks Day, 1867...Rum, Blood, The Day We Celebrate shows a debauchery with policemen and ape-like Irishmen (from www.victoriana.com/Irish/mail6.htm) Additionally, the physical description of Irish-Americans attributed their perceived character flaws to imputed biologic deficiencies.

Engle (2001: 152) states: Pseudosciences such as physiognomy and phrenology emphasized the sick eyes, crimson complexion, red hair, robust figure, and simianized face (prominent cheekbones, upturned nose, and projecting teeth) of Irish Americans. Cartoons in influential magazines such as Harpers illustrated Irish-Americ ans with extended jaws, dark faces, and spa! ngly eyes. Other print sources, including newspapers, school books, and government documents, referred to Irish-Americans as Low-browed and savage, crawl and bestial, lazy and wild, simian and sensual. That writers singled out Irish-Americans as behaviorally and physically insufficient is evident from the fact that...If you want to get a exuberant essay, order it on our website: OrderEssay.net

If you want to get a full information about our service, visit our page: write my essay