Poetry · Chapter
Irish Poets explained
This chapter celebrates Irish poets and their contributions to literature, focusing on Tom Moore and Oliver Goldsmith, and includes an anecdote about the wit of T.
What happens
This chapter celebrates Irish poets and their contributions to literature, focusing on Tom Moore and Oliver Goldsmith, and includes an anecdote about the wit of T. D. McKee.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity
The chapter celebrates Irish poets and their enduring legacy in Canada, emphasizing the preservation of Irish cultural identity.
Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue
Goldsmith's lines on wealth and decay offer a moral reflection on society.
Characters to notice
- Tom Moore
Celebrated as a great Irish minstrel whose ballads and works like Lala Rookh are admired worldwide.
- T. D. McKee
Honoured as a great Irish historian; an anecdote highlights his ready wit at a supper table.
- Oliver Goldsmith
Referenced for his poem 'The Deserted Village' and his novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield'.
- Bryan Borohm
Mentioned in Moore's song about ancient Irish glory.
Key passages
“Moore placed dross in the waste basket And enshrined jewels in casket”
Moore discarded inferior material and preserved only the finest gems of Irish poetry.
Metaphor for Moore's editorial skill in selecting the best ballads.
“I wish the Montreal people were as anxious to retain me in my seat as you are in Ingersoll.”
McKee joked that Montrealers should want to keep him in office as much as the Ingersoll crowd wanted him to stay seated.
Shows McKee's quick wit in a social setting.
“I'll fare the land to many ills a prey Where wealth accumulates but men decay.”
A land where wealth grows while people suffer will face many troubles.
Goldsmith's critique of economic inequality.