The Construction of Irish Identity in American Literature

Focusing on the evolution of Irish-American identity, this book traces its development from the Famine generation to the Great Depression. It delves into the cultural debates surrounding Irish characters, revealing contrasting views on Irishness as either opposing or facilitating American identity. The author emphasizes the significance of Irish ethnicity, challenging the notion that many characters are simply generically white, and illustrates how Irishness is crucial to understanding their narratives.