Poetry and the Avoidance of Nationalism

Abstract

The ‘nationalism’ of my title is an all-Ireland nationalism: not necessarily conterminous with the republican separatist nationalism of Wolfe Tone and of his varied descendants, but certainly including it as a centre of power exerting a strong inward pull. Nor do I intend the definition to be a merely political one, or to be equated with the stated (or supposed) policies of any group or party: it is enough that it be a strong emotional disposition, or habit of mind, or social or political intention.