Literature, Memory, Atrocity

Abstract

[Scene: Pith interior] Bull McCabe: Who would insult me by bidding for my field here in Carraig-. thomond? Mick Planagau:There might be outsiders, Bull. Bull: Outsiders? Outsiders? Are these the same 'outsiders' who took the corn from our mouths when the potatoes Went rotten in the ditches? Flanagan: Ali, now Bull Bull: Are these the same 'outsiders' who took the meat from the tables when we lay in the ditches with the grass juice running green from our mouths? Flanagan: Take it easy Bull: Are these the same 'outsiders' who drove us to the coffin ships and scattered us to the four corners of the earth? Are these the same 'outsiders' who watched whilst our valley went silent except for the sound of the last starving child? Flanagan: The English are gone, Bull. Bull: Gone. Because I drove 'em out. Me. And my kind. Gone. But not forgotten, Flanagan. No 'outsider' will bid for my field.'