If there were sufficient cultural segregation, there might be something to the distinction. Clearly, the English (in England) combined more closely in a longer time frame. The Scotch- Irish were not an especially strong factor in Irish literature, but one can see, in the counties they dominate, their resistance to being assimilated into Ireland. As a group, they have resisted Irish nationalism. On the other hand, some Anglo- Irish embraced it, so maybe that counts. The main thing I was commenting on was the irony of the "bigotry" in Irish nationalism giving way to self- aggrandizement when it comes to literature. I hadn't expected a big argument, since it was a fairly mild observation.
I will say that I think that something larger than bigotry is involved, though, insofar as a history is reflected, one of depredation against the native Irish by the (mostly foreign) landowning class, backed by the Crown. Perhaps feelings would not be so bitter had it not been for the Potato Famine, and the unwillingness of the central government to make provision against starvation or being turned out for non- payment of rent in a common crisis. However, the bitterness is now there, and supports the distinctions among the Irish more than mere bigotry...... |
