Russell, Richard Rankin.Gibson, Jordan Leigh.Baylor University. Dept. of English.2008-11-102017-04-072008-11-102017-04-072008-082008-11-10http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5250Includes bibliographical references (p. 82-85)Many critics, like Oona Frawley, believe the land of Ireland has the unique power to connect the collective Irish conscience to the past and is often a rallying cry to garner support for the freedom of Ireland. MacLaverty explores this cultural mindset in Lamb (1980) and Cal (1983) and eventually refutes it as a healthy and effective way for Northern Irish Catholics to identify themselves and find purpose in their lives. Grace Notes (1997), MacLaverty’s third novel, eschews the romantic view of the land, and allows Catherine McKenna to explore the possibilities of finding an international identity through her connection with foreign lands although she still finds strength through her connection with the land. Northern Ireland, it seems, could not provide contemporary citizens with a hope and a future; therefore, they must look towards a transnational identity open to outside influence while being rooted in the local landscape.iv, 85 p.69769 bytes161858 bytes470838 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.MacLaverty, Bernard -- Criticism and interpretation.Northern Ireland -- In literature.Landscape in literature.Land use in literature.Identity (Psychology) in literature.Nayional charicteristics, Irish, in literature.ThesisWorldwide access