The Construction of Irish Identity in American Literature

Exploring the evolution of Irish-American identity from the mid-nineteenth century to the Great Depression, this book delves into the complex portrayal of Irish characters in literature. It challenges negative stereotypes and highlights the cultural debates surrounding Americanness, revealing contrasting views on Irishness as both a barrier and a pathway to Americanization. Dowd emphasizes the significance of Irish ethnicity in shaping characters often misinterpreted as merely white, asserting that Irishness is crucial to understanding their narratives.