‘A reader’s view of a theme or issue can be either changed or reinforced through interaction with texts’ by Eimear Dollard

Through my study of texts on the comparative course, my opinions on the theme of forbidden relationships have either changed drastically or been reinforced due to my interaction with these texts.  ‘How Many Miles to Babylon?’ by Jennifer Johnston, ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Colm Tóibín’s ‘Brooklyn’ have equipped me with valuable insight into this theme.  My study of key moments in all three novels has aided greatly in my accumulation of knowledge regarding this subject. 

‘Authors make use of a variety of techniques to shape memorable characters’ - by Jennifer Small

In ‘Brooklyn’ by Colm Tóibín, ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald (TGG), and ‘How Many Miles to Babylon?’ by Jennifer Johnston (Miles) each author cleverly uses an array of techniques to mould unforgettable characters.  In my opinion, the most effective techniques used in these texts are the narrator, conflict, setting and resolution.  Each of these literary devices contributes to the creation of thought-provoking characters that leave lasting impressions. 

‘A Prayer to Chinese’ by Georgia Carey ( Rang Caitríona - Bliain 1)

 O Chinese

Giver of sweet and sour pork, wonton soup, chicken chow mein and four egg rolls, chicken fried rice, beef curry, hoisin sauce and chicken wings

"Yeats's poetry is driven by a tension between the real world in which he lives and an ideal world he imagines" - A Response by Ciarán Van Dam

Having studied Yeats's poetry, I agree completely that the contrast between the real world and an ideal world is the motivation for a large amount of his writing. I have formed this view in my study of 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree', 'September 1913', 'The Wild Swans at Coole', and 'Sailing to Byzantium'.

'Ní Chuilleanáin's poetry communicates powerful feelings through thought-provoking images and symbols' - A Response by Lauren McCutcheon

Ní Chuilleanáin communicates powerful feelings in her poems; each one contains thought-provoking imagery and symbols that evoke the readers' emotions and add deep meaning to her words. This is especially evident in 'The Second Voyage', 'On Lacking the Killer Instinct', 'The Bend in the Road', and 'To Niall Woods and Xenya Ostrovskaia, married in Dublin on 9 September 2009.'

'The world would be a much better place without men' by Aileen McDermott

As the saying goes, "Behind every great man is an even greater woman." I'm asking why not step out from the oppressive shadow our Y-chromosome possessing counterparts have imposed over us? For millions if not billions of years women have lived as second rate citizens to the slovenly, boorish gender, being forced to pick up after them, and mend the messes that they have made.

'John Montague expresses his themes in a clear and precise fashion' - A Response by Eimear Dollard, Sarah Murray, Emmet Frawley, Diarmuid Ó Céadagáin & Blake Ó Muireaseán

Montague is well-known for his cinematic style and shows us many of his memories scene by scene. The poet allows us delve deep into his mind and experience his loss, pain and confusion through his use of vivid imagery.

'Vision' by Noel Markham

Joseph felt a sudden shift in the temperature of the room.  The pleasant summer warmth was replaced with a deathly cold.  He moved his hands back above his head, and pulled himself to a sitting position with the metal framework of the bed.  He stopped and let the creaking echo around the large rectangular room, waiting to hear if any of the other boys were awakened by the chill.  No creak responded to his.  He was alone in the black. 

'Ever Since I Can Remember' by Eimear Dollard

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to run away. You wouldn't blame me either, if you met my family. Living under the same roof as parents who scoff at my ambitions to be a world-famous actress and a brother whose sole purpose in life is to irritate me has finally gotten to me. I will no longer settle for this maltreatment.