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Episode 66: Padraic Scanlan Makes the Medicine Go Down

Drafting the Past

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The Black Prophet and the Irish Famine

This chapter explores William Carlton's novel, The Black Prophet, set during the devastating potato failures of 1817 and 1845, highlighting the struggles of the Irish poor amid societal collapse. It examines the disconnect between British government policies and the dire realities faced by the Irish population, alongside a nuanced portrayal of the educated middle class's romantic views. Through historical context and personal accounts, the chapter sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the famine and the ineffective responses that exacerbated the crisis.

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