The evolution of the Gaelic mythos through twentieth-century drama

In this thesis I will explore the Gaelic mythos as it evolved in Irish drama throughout the twentieth century. I will begin by surveying postcolonial theories of imperialism\u27s effect on culture, drawing comparisons to Ireland\u27s reaction to colonialism. I will then discuss the Celtic Revival movement, as propagated by W. B. Yeats, Lady Augusta Gregory and John Millington Synge at the turn of the twentieth century. I will discuss this movement\u27s use of Gaelic folklore and mythology through its drama; Next, I will consider this mythology\u27s reception by later dramatists, represented by Sean O\u27Casey and Brian Friel. I will examine these playwrights\u27 reaction to the ideologies of the Celtic Revival as revealed in their plays; After surveying the history of the Gaelic mythos, I will then investigate the drastic economic and social changes of the last few decades in Ireland. I will question whether the new Celtic Tiger Ireland still needs the mythos of the past; Finally, I will explicate contemporary works by Marina Carr and Martin McDonagh to determine these playwrights\u27 attitudes toward the Gaelic mythos. I expect to find that these contemporary dramatists reject this system of beliefs as inadequate and dangerous for a people whose circumstances are very altered from those of their predecessors