Poetry Unbound Eavan Boland — Eviction
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May 7, 2021 
Eavan Boland, an acclaimed Irish poet and Stanford professor, uses her poetry to bridge personal and national histories, particularly illuminating women's experiences. In her discussion, she reflects on her grandmother's near-eviction in 1904, critiquing how history often overlooks women's narratives. Boland emphasizes the need to reframe historical accounts to include diverse perspectives, showcasing themes of survival and resistance. Her poem 'Eviction' serves as a powerful corrective, urging a reevaluation of how history is told and who gets to tell it.
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Grandmother's Eviction
- Eavan Boland's grandmother found an eviction notice after returning from Dublin to Drogheda in 1904.
- This was a common tool of oppression during the time of the British Empire in Ireland.
Overlooked Struggles
- Boland connects her grandmother's experience to a larger historical context.
- While Ireland moved towards independence, women's struggles, like evictions, were overlooked.
Lack of Agency
- Boland highlights the lack of agency women had, even in a "modern" Ireland.
- She questions why women's experiences are considered less important than large political events.