Breaking the Silence: Post-Famine Trauma in Ireland
May 21, 2024
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Delving into the aftermath of the Great Hunger in Ireland, this podcast challenges the idea of a 'Great Silence' surrounding the traumatic events of the 1840s. It explores how grief, guilt, and trauma were expressed by survivors and discusses the impact of revisionist historians on shaping the narrative. Through the intriguing story of the Fitzgerald family and the legacy of Cecil's groundbreaking book on the famine, the podcast sheds light on the lasting impact of this tragic period in Irish history.
The podcast challenges the notion of a 'Great Silence' post-Famine, exploring how Irish society actually processed grief and trauma openly.
It criticizes how historians reacted dismissively towards research on the Great Famine, revealing a disconnect between academia and public understanding.
Deep dives
Exploring the Notion of the Great Silence in Irish Society After the Great Hunger
The podcast delves into the concept of the 'Great Silence' in Irish society following the Great Hunger of the 1840s. Contrary to common belief, the episode questions whether Irish society truly maintained a silence about the famine. The host examines how Irish society handled the aftermath of the Great Hunger, challenging the idea that there was a pervasive silence around this traumatic event. By analyzing historical narratives and societal reactions, the episode reconsiders the prevalent notion of the 'Great Silence'.
Challenging Historical Interpretations and Response to Cecil Woodham Smith's Book on the Great Famine
The podcast criticizes the historical responses to Cecil Woodham Smith's influential book on the Great Famine. Historians and academics reacted negatively to Smith's work, portraying a dismissive and hostile attitude towards her research. The host highlights the contrasts between the public reception and the academic criticism of Smith's book, indicating a disconnect between historians and wider society in comprehending the significance of the Great Hunger.
Evolution of Historical Narratives on the Great Hunger in the Late 20th Century
The episode traces the evolution of historical perspectives on the Great Hunger in the late 20th century. While initial historians failed to engage with the topic, a shift occurred in the 1990s with a new generation of scholars questioning the existing narrative. The emergence of accessible histories in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly focusing on economic aspects, marked a significant departure from earlier avoidance of the famine's impact.
Impact of Revisionist Narratives and Renewed Historical Research on Public Understanding of the Great Hunger
The podcast examines how revisionist narratives and political influences have shaped the study of the Great Hunger in Ireland. Scholars' response to nationalist perspectives and the legacy of the Troubles affected historical interpretations. The renewed research efforts in the late 20th century aimed to bridge the gap between academic discourse and public comprehension, challenging previous narratives and enhancing the understanding of the famine's profound impact.
In this episode I delve into the lasting impact of the Great Hunger on Ireland. Its often said that the Famine was a taboo subject and a 'Great Silence' surrounded the 1840s. In this podcast I challenge this myth and explore how grief, guilt, and trauma were expressed and processed by the survivors. Join me as I uncover the untold stories and voices that defy the myth of an unspoken past. I also argue that it was revisionist historians and official Ireland who shut down debate on this crucial topic.
As always the history is structured around a story so the show begins with an unlikely person - the descendant of an Irish rebel living in India.