What captivity has been to the Jews, exile has been to the Irish. For us, the romance of our native land begins only after we have left home; it is really only with other people that we become Irishmen.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Exile is to the Irish what captivity is to the Jews; romance for the native land begins only after leaving home, becoming Irish among others.
- In plain terms
- The Irish feel a romantic longing for their homeland only after exile, similar to Jewish captivity.
- What can you take from it?
- Distance can intensify love for one’s origins.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does distance change your view of home?
- What aspects of exile are often romanticized?
Another view
Romanticizing exile may ignore the hardships involved.
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