Guests of the Nation by Frank O'Connor 1931
“I think being a woman is like being Irish... Everyone says you're important and nice, but you take second place all the time.”
― Iris Murdoch
The Plain Facts
- Length:9 Pages
- Genre:Irish Literature
- Characters:Brits: Awkins, Belcher Irish Nationals: Noble, Jeremiah Donovan, Awkins, Bonaparte.
- Setting:A Dark Bog
So, what's It About Man?
Two Brits are caught in the war between Ireland and England. The terrorists that hold the English Captive will be affected by the summation of the lives of the two Brits. War in a blog is hell.
First Words
At dusk the bg Englishman Belcher would shift his long legs out o the ashes and ask, "Well, chums, whats it about?" and Noble or moe would say, "As you please chum"(for we had picked up some of their curious expresions), and the Little Englishman 'Awkins would light the lamp and produce the cards.
Last Words
And anything that ever happened to me after I never felt the same about again.
Favorite Quote
- I never in all my career struck across a man who could mix such a variety of cursing and bad language into the the simplest topics.
- It was that Italian ocunt that stole the heathen divinity out of the temple in Japan, for be me Mr. 'Awkins, nothing but sorrow and want follows them that disturbs the hidden powers!"
What I Loved About the Story
- I loved the understanding of the complexities of war that Frank O'Connor expresses in this short story. He is very economical in the use of his words, but each word creates a painted-chip to a troubling mosaic.
Turnip Tips
- We learned the Irish Dance the Walls of Limerick:
Where to Find This Story
Collected Stories Frank O'Connor