Degree Name
MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)
Program
Liberal Studies
Date of Award
8-2002
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Marie Tedesco
Committee Members
Charles S. Olson, Henry J. Antikiewicz
Abstract
The focus of this research is a detailed analysis of Liam O'Flaherty's first published novel, Thy Neighbour's Wife, as an underlying autobiographical portrait depicted in the main character, Fr. Hugh McMahon. Although never touted as an autobiography, this study shows O'Flaherty drew upon his early cultural, historical, religious, and political influences in creating his main character. Primary and secondary sources, an ethnographic trip to Ireland, and a content analysis of the novel determined the findings.
The fictional McMahon faced difficult personal choices, subsequently coming to terms with past decisions. McMahon's foibles reflect O'Flaherty's early years. O'Flaherty wrote two acclaimed autobiographies, Shame the Devil and Two Years, during his later literary career. This analysis establishes that O'Flaherty used his main character in his first novel, Thy Neighbour's Wife, as a means of conveying in fictional form his own personal struggles, thus establishing this novel as a de facto autobiography.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Robin Heavner, "Troubled Trinity: Love, Religion and Patriotism in Liam O'Flaherty's First Novel, Thy neighbour's wife." (2002). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 688. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/688
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.