The Generational Divide in Eavan Boland's The Achill Woman Anonymous 12th Grade

Eavan Boland is an Irish poet and author born in Dublin, Ireland in 1944 who focuses much of her work on the national identity of Irish people, the role of Irish women throughout its history, as well as Ireland’s rich and, at times tragic, history and culture as a country itself—especially pertaining to the impact that the Irish potato famine, or “The Great Famine” between 1845 and 1852, had on Irish society. Currently, Eavan Boland is a professor at Stanford University. In the poem "The Achill Woman" written by Eavan Boland, the speaker (heavily indicated to be Eavan Boland herself, therefore making the poem rather autobiographical) recounts her experiences on Achill Island off of the coast of Ireland and more specifically her encounter with a woman who lives there. Throughout the course of the poem, the narrator describes the woman’s simple way of life in juxtaposition to her own lifestyle, being an educated college student. Upon this reflection, the slight culture clash between the two Irish generations are highlighted through the different interests they spend their time pursuing during the day as well as their general mindsets towards life.

First, their interests in daily pastimes differ completely in origin and purpose....