Poetry · Chapter
Gas from a Burner explained
A satirical monologue from the perspective of a printer who defends his refusal to print the works of a certain Irish writer, attacking the writer's portrayal of Dublin and Irish identity while ironically exposing his own hypocrisy and comp
What happens
A satirical monologue from the perspective of a printer who defends his refusal to print the works of a certain Irish writer, attacking the writer's portrayal of Dublin and Irish identity while ironically exposing his own hypocrisy and complicity in betraying Irish leaders and culture.
Themes in this chapter
Irish Identity and Critique
The poem satirizes Irish nationalism, the betrayal of leaders, and the hypocrisy of cultural gatekeepers.
Art and Creativity
The printer discusses publishing various works, revealing tensions between artistic expression and censorship.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The printer speaking in first person, defending his actions and attacking the writer.
- Irish Identity and Critique
The printer invokes Ireland as 'my first and only love' and critiques the betrayal of Irish leaders like Parnell.
Key passages
“I printed it all to the very last word But by the mercy of the Lord The darkness of my mind was rent And I saw the writer’s foul intent.”
I published the entire book, but then I suddenly realized the author's malicious purpose.
The printer claims a moment of clarity about the writer's intentions.
“O Ireland my first and only love Where Christ and Caesar are hand and glove!”
O Ireland, my one true love, where church and state are intertwined.
A critique of the close relationship between religion and politics in Ireland.
“I draw the line at that bloody fellow That was over here dressed in Austrian yellow, Spouting Italian by the hour”
I refuse to print anything by that damned man who wore Austrian yellow and spoke Italian endlessly.
The printer singles out a specific writer (likely James Joyce) for rejection.