Frank OConnor 1903 1966 Early Years Irish Born

Frank O’Connor (1903 -1966)

Early Years • • • Irish Born and raised in Cork Only child Raised in poverty. Received little formal education before beginning work as a librarian in Cork and Dublin • Father was an abusive alcoholic so his mother supplied much of the income and love in his early years of life.

Later Years • Briefly imprisoned for his activities with the Irish Republican Army • Director of the Abby Theatre, Dublin in the 1930’s • During World War II he was a broadcaster for the British Ministry of Information in London • Became an Irish Teacher, theatre director, and librarian. • Known for literary critic, essayist, travel writer, translator and biographer

Writing Highlights • • Over 150 Works Writer of short stories, poems, plays, and novellas Many of his writing are based on his own life experiences. Man of the House- based on his early childhood, about a family lacking a father figure and struggling to get by. • The Big Fellow and Guests of the Nation are some of his more famous works.

Historical Context of Guests of a Nation • Based on O’Connor’s own experiences in the Irish Republican Party • During the time that Ireland was fighting for independence • O’Connor represents one of the Irish soldiers who befriends the Englishmen. • This occasion taught O’Connor that people from completely different worlds can find a common ground and even become friends.

Analyzing Guests of a Nation • Characterization-description of character, traits, etc • Bonaparte was big, burly man that showed no emotions when it came to the enemy • Irony- a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated. • Friendship between the Irish and English. Most people would expect hatred amongst the men, but instead there is friendship (situational) • Idea that men will justify inhumane acts In the name of duty • Symbolism-the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character • relationship between the Irish soldiers, Englishmen and the woman quartering them shows that all human beings are equal • Without these orders men can coexist peacefully but because of orders men destroy themselves by destroying one another

Historical Context of “Judas” • Takes place and represents a time in O’Connor’s childhood • Represents one of the many struggles he was faced with in his life • The absence of his father, having to stay with his mother, and longing to have a real relationship with a girl • . • Assumed to take place in Ireland where O’Connor is from

“Judas” • Jerry leaves home after saying goodnight to his mother to see a girl he strongly likes. • They have not seen each other in weeks even though he has made every attempt to try to see her. • He tries to keep himself from thinking that she doesn’t miss him • He finds out that the girl he likes had other boyfriends and that her mother is skeptical of him because he has never introduced himself to her. • He returns home and refuses to answer his mothers questions, but soon feels guilty about his actions and goes back out to his mother.

Hyperbole • exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally • • Your suitcase weighs a ton! • • She is as heavy as an elephant! • Very dramatic, believes kitty is above going to the Cinema with Judas so he makes himself believe she was in slavery or drowning so he can save her. • When he fails to see her he comes up with the excuse that he has said something that has thrown her off, probably something to do with LUST • When his mother asks where he was he overreacts and storms to his room

Allusion • a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication: The novel's title is an allusion to Shakespeare. • Title of the short story is referring to the fact that Jerry Betrayed his mother which is an allusion to the bible and Judas • He knows his mother doesn’t like being alone since his mother died, but he continues to leave her and get upset with her

Point of View • the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters. • “I have of late, —but wherefore I know not, —lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory. ” • “Judas” is told from Jerry’s, first person” point of view. He is telling it to a friend named Michael John

Love/Hate • Judas has strong feelings for this young lady. • He feels hate towards himself in the end for not introducing himself and blowing his chances with the girl. He thinks of taking his own life • When he returns home he knows what true love is when his mother asks where he was. He realizes that she was concerned about his safety and that she would always be there for him

Interesting • Frank O’Connor led a very unconventional life for the time period he grew up in • He did not allow it to bring him down, instead he used it as inspiration for most of his works • He has strong feelings about being an individual and making choices for yourself.

Continued • Has an award in his honor- Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award • Married Evelyn Bowen • Had two sons and a daughter • Divorced in 1953 • Died of a stroke while teaching at Stanford

Works Cited • ""Guests of the Nation" Critical Analysis. " Christopher Swendsen. N. p. , n. d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. • "Guests of the Nation. " Goodreads. N. p. , n. d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. • "Judas Summary - ENotes. com. " Enotes. com, n. d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014