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About this quote

What does it mean?
Irish people are made mad by God, leading to merry wars and sad songs.
In plain terms
God made Irish men mad, so wars are merry and songs are sad.
What can you take from it?
Madness brings joy to war and sorrow to song.

Where it applies

  • cultural analysis
  • national identity
  • literature

Putting it to work

  • study culture
  • reflect on emotion

Questions to consider

  • What defines a nation?
  • How does madness show?

Another view

Not all Irish experiences fit this mold.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

  1. I tell you naught for your comfort, Yea, naught for your desire, Save that the sky grows darker yet And the sea rises higher.

    Permalink to quote #174
  2. Our chiefs said 'Done,' and I did not deem it; Our seers said 'Peace,' and it was not peace; Earth will grow worse till men redeem it, And wars more evil, ere …

    Permalink to quote #176
  3. Prince, Bayard would have smashed his sword To see the sort of knights you dub-- Is that the last of them--O Lord Will someone take me to a pub?

    Permalink to quote #173

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