A lesson in presents : social change in the writing of Brendan Kennelly, 1980-2000

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between form in the writing of Irish poet Brendan Kennelly and social change in Ireland between 1980 and 2000. Using the ideas of postmodern theorists including Jean-Frangois Lyotard, Fredric Jameson, and Charles Jencks, I employ a number of close readings in order to illustrate how Kennelly subverts traditional narrative and poetic forms and treats Irish national symbols, themes, historical and popular narratives in a way that encourages his readers to reevaluate them again and again.