The Maynooth Grant- Inspiring Turmoil Amongst the IrishIn the play, “Dublin by Lamplight” Michael West depicts a strong rebellion to King Edward’s visit from all sorts of Irish folk in Dublin in 1904 suggesting that the feelings towards the British monarch were consequences of long lasting hardships in Ireland. An examination of the historical British Policy towards the Irish suggests that even movements meant to aid the Irish people in establishing their own identities, may have caused social uproar between citizens and towards Monarchs. The 1849 Head of State visit was in order to facilitate the signing of the Maynooth Grant and the support of the British Monarch for the practice of the Catholic tradition through the grant for the Protestant seminary in the historically (British enforced) dominating Protestant religion (and institutions). This grant was meant to support the Irish leader of the Union party, Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel in bringing about a Catholic Irish freedom, however it was seen by a large portion of the Irish population as the “great betrayal” inspiring more exclusiveness between religious groups in Ireland and furthermore, resistance and opposition to the British Monarch. Queen Victoria however took a public stand in defending the honor of this grant, viewing it as empowering for the previously oppressed Irish Catholics. She is quoted saying, “I am sure poor Peel ought to be blessed by all Catholics for the many and noble ways in which he stands forth to protect and do good for poor Ireland. But the bigotry, the wicked and blind passion it brings forth is quite dreadful, and I blush for Protestantism!”
The characters in Michael West’s story would likely have resignations towards the British monarch for issues such as these within Ireland at the time. This could be seen through Eva’s words to William after dramatically smashing his watch, “The old order is over, this watch is to mark a new era for theatre, for nationalism, for freedom.” Furthermore, in how William wants desperately to stand with Eva and fight for freedom, however he is unsure of his own cause. The problems between the decisions of the British monarch and the Irish resonated not only between the countries but also within Ireland’s borders. This can be seen with the example of the opposition within Ireland to the implications of the Maynooth Grant and furthermore in the turmoil amongst and within West’s characters.
- Kate Ciborowski