Introduction: “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
“Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran first appeared in the Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society in 2003 (Vol. 55, pp. 151-158), presenting an insightful examination of the interplay between physical geography and literary imagination. Originally a lecture delivered at the Centenary Conference of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society in 2000, the article explores how landscapes, particularly in Ireland, are not only geographical realities but also deeply embedded in cultural narratives, historical memories, and literary representations. Sheeran challenges the romanticized or essentialist views of landscape as merely a backdrop to identity, arguing instead that landscapes are continuously reinterpreted through literature and historical experience. He critiques the tendency to “textualize” the Irish landscape, emphasizing that a sense of place is not merely semiotic but also an experiential and socio-economic construct. Through examples ranging from Yeats and Joyce to contemporary literary theorists, Sheeran demonstrates how Galway and the West of Ireland have been mythologized in literature as spaces of spiritual revelation, nationalist identity, or cultural authenticity, often in contrast to the more prosaic south-east of Ireland. His work is significant in literary theory as it highlights the constructed nature of place and its evolving meaning in different historical and cultural contexts. By incorporating elements of Raymond Williams’ framework—residual, dominant, and emergent cultural formations—Sheeran offers a nuanced analysis of how landscapes are shaped by colonial legacies, economic transformation, and literary imagination. His perspective remains vital in discussions on the intersections of geography, literature, and cultural identity in Irish studies.
Summary of “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
Main Ideas:
1. The Relationship Between Landscape and Literature
- Sheeran argues that landscapes are not just geographical locations but are deeply ingrained in cultural narratives and literary representations (Sheeran, 2003, p. 151).
- The Irish landscape, particularly in the west, has been shaped and romanticized by literature, often serving as a symbol of national identity and spirituality (p. 153).
2. Questioning the “Textualization” of Landscape
- Sheeran critiques the trend of treating the landscape as a “text” to be read and interpreted exclusively in literary terms (p. 153).
- He emphasizes that a sense of place is not purely semiotic; it is also based on lived experience, economic factors, and historical change (p. 154).
3. The Role of Galway in Irish Literary and Cultural Identity
- The west of Ireland, particularly Galway, has often been appropriated as a cultural and national symbol in literature (p. 152).
- Writers such as W.B. Yeats and Padraic Pearse have portrayed the west as a space of national revival and spiritual awakening, reinforcing a mythologized vision of the region (p. 157).
- This contrasts with the more “prosaic” and less symbolically charged landscape of the Irish southeast (p. 152).
4. The Influence of Colonialism and Modernization on Landscape Interpretation
- Sheeran discusses how colonial narratives and postcolonial theory have shaped interpretations of the Irish landscape, particularly in terms of identity and nationalism (p. 156).
- He highlights the “Americanization” and suburbanization of modern Irish landscapes, which complicates traditional notions of place and belonging (p. 154).
5. The Residual, Dominant, and Emergent Landscapes (Raymond Williams’ Framework)
- Sheeran applies Raymond Williams’ cultural framework to Irish landscapes:
- Residual: The traditional rural landscape of small farms and Anglo-Irish estates, now fading (p. 155).
- Dominant: The suburbanization of Ireland, where modern housing developments disrupt older notions of place (p. 156).
- Emergent: The increasing influence of American-style developments, shopping malls, and cinematic representations in shaping the landscape (p. 154).
6. The Aran Islands as a Symbol of Cultural and Literary Exploration
- Sheeran contrasts two key historical journeys to the Aran Islands:
- The scientific and ethnographic survey by Alfred Cort Haddon in 1893, which measured and documented the islands and their people in an objective, rationalist manner (p. 157).
- The literary and mystical exploration by W.B. Yeats, Edward Martyn, and George Moore, who sought spiritual inspiration and visionary experiences in Aran (p. 158).
7. The Myth of the West as a Place of Spiritual Transformation
- Sheeran discusses how the west of Ireland has been consistently depicted in literature as a “landscape of the soul,” where characters undergo personal and spiritual revelations (p. 156).
- He refers to James Joyce’s The Dead as an example of how literature both embraces and questions this mythologization of the west (p. 157).
Significance of Sheeran’s Argument:
- Sheeran’s work challenges essentialist and romanticized views of the Irish landscape, advocating for a more nuanced and dynamic understanding of how place is constructed through history, economics, and literature.
- His use of Raymond Williams’ cultural framework helps contextualize Ireland’s evolving landscape in relation to modern urbanization and globalization.
- The essay provides an important critique of the limitations of literary theory when it overemphasizes textual interpretations of place without considering lived experience and historical change.
Theoretical Terms/Concepts in “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
| Theoretical Term/Concept | Definition/Explanation | Application in Sheeran’s Work |
| Textualization of Landscape | The process of interpreting landscapes as “texts” that can be read, analyzed, and given meaning rather than simply experienced. | Sheeran critiques the overemphasis on treating Irish landscapes, particularly the west, as literary symbols rather than real, lived environments (Sheeran, 2003, p. 153). |
| Sense of Place | The emotional, historical, and cultural connection people have to a specific location. | Sheeran examines how Galway and the west of Ireland are constructed in literature as sites of Irish authenticity and cultural identity (p. 152). |
| Appropriation of Landscape | The act of using a landscape to represent ideological, cultural, or political narratives. | Irish writers have frequently appropriated the west as a symbol of nationalism, spirituality, and resistance (p. 152). |
| Residual, Dominant, and Emergent Cultures (Raymond Williams) | A cultural framework classifying traditions and social changes: – Residual: Older cultural forms that persist. – Dominant: The prevailing cultural norm. – Emergent: New cultural patterns shaping the future. | Sheeran applies this to Irish landscapes: – Residual: Traditional small farms and rural life. – Dominant: Suburbanization and modernization. – Emergent: Americanized commercial developments (p. 155). |
| Romanticism vs. Rationalism | Romanticism emphasizes nature, emotion, and mysticism, while rationalism prioritizes logic, science, and empirical knowledge. | Sheeran contrasts the literary mythologization of the Aran Islands with the rationalist, scientific studies of colonial ethnographers (p. 157). |
| Nationalist Mythmaking | The creation of myths that link national identity to specific landscapes, reinforcing cultural and political narratives. | The west of Ireland is frequently portrayed in literature as the “true” Ireland, reinforcing nationalist ideals (p. 156). |
| Postcolonial Critique of Landscape | Examines how colonial history influences representations of geography and identity in literature and cultural discourse. | Sheeran discusses how colonial legacies and postcolonial theories shape perceptions of Irish landscapes in literary and academic discourse (p. 156). |
| Americanization of Landscape | The adaptation of local landscapes to resemble American-style suburban, commercial, and cultural spaces. | Sheeran critiques how modern Ireland is adopting American-style malls, housing developments, and business parks, leading to a loss of traditional landscapes (p. 154). |
| Vernacular Landscape (J.B. Jackson) | Everyday spaces shaped by ordinary human activities, rather than idealized, “natural” landscapes. | Sheeran argues that contemporary Irish identity should include modern urban and suburban landscapes, not just romanticized rural settings (p. 154). |
| Literary Spatiality | The way literature constructs, shapes, and influences how geographical spaces are understood and perceived. | Sheeran explores how Irish writers have historically framed Galway and the west as places of profound spiritual and national importance (p. 157). |
Contribution of “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran to Literary Theory/Theories
1. Ecocriticism & Environmental Humanities
- Challenges the textualization of landscape, arguing that landscapes should not be treated merely as symbols but as real, lived spaces (Sheeran, 2003, p. 153).
- Highlights how human interaction with landscapes is influenced by historical, economic, and cultural factors rather than just literary imagination (p. 154).
- Calls for a more pragmatic understanding of place, beyond romanticized or literary constructs (p. 154).
2. Postcolonial Theory & Irish Nationalism
- Explores how colonial and postcolonial discourse have shaped Irish literary representations of landscape (p. 156).
- Critiques the appropriation of the Irish west in literature as a nationalist myth, reinforcing ideas of cultural purity and resistance (p. 152).
- Examines how the west of Ireland has been framed as a cultural heartland while ignoring modern economic and social realities (p. 152).
3. Cultural Materialism (Raymond Williams)
- Applies Williams’ framework of Residual, Dominant, and Emergent Cultures to landscape analysis (p. 155).
- Residual: Traditional rural Ireland and small farming communities.
- Dominant: Suburbanization and modernization of Irish towns.
- Emergent: Americanization of the landscape, with commercial developments replacing older cultural markers.
- Argues that landscape is not static but constantly evolving, shaped by economic forces and cultural shifts (p. 155).
4. Spatial Theory (Lefebvre & Literary Spatiality)
- Engages with Henri Lefebvre’s concept of space, arguing that Irish landscapes are socially produced rather than natural or given (p. 157).
- Shows how literature constructs a spatial identity for Galway and the west, shaping perceptions of Irishness (p. 157).
- Discusses the impact of globalization on place-making, critiquing how suburbanization erases cultural specificity (p. 154).
5. Romanticism vs. Rationalism
- Contrasts Romanticist depictions of Ireland (e.g., W.B. Yeats, John Moriarty) with scientific/rationalist surveys of the Irish landscape (e.g., ethnographic studies) (p. 157).
- Criticizes the idealization of Irish landscapes as mystical or spiritual in literature, arguing that such portrayals ignore modern realities (p. 157).
- Highlights the colonial gaze in landscape studies, where landscapes were measured, documented, and categorized through imperialist frameworks (p. 157).
6. Globalization & Americanization of Literature
- Discusses the Americanization of Irish landscapes, linking it to modern globalization and cultural homogenization (p. 154).
- Highlights how new literary narratives must include Ireland’s evolving, suburban, and commercial spaces (p. 154).
- Suggests that literature should embrace contemporary Irish identity, which is no longer solely tied to rural, traditional settings (p. 154).
Key Takeaways from Sheeran’s Contribution to Literary Theory
- Expands ecocriticism by moving beyond symbolic representations of landscapes to include lived experiences.
- Challenges postcolonial Irish studies by questioning the romanticized and nationalist mythmaking of the Irish west.
- Applies cultural materialism to show how landscapes evolve due to economic and political forces.
- Engages with spatial theory to highlight how literature actively shapes and constructs perceptions of place.
- Critiques romanticism in Irish literature, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between tradition and modernity.
- Raises awareness of globalization’s impact on Irish literary landscapes, emphasizing the need to acknowledge suburban and urban realities.
Examples of Critiques Through “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
| Literary Work & Author | Sheeran’s Critique Based on Landscape and Literature |
| “The Dead” – James Joyce | – Joyce both embraces and deconstructs the myth of the west of Ireland (Sheeran, 2003, p. 157). – Gabriel Conroy’s perception of Galway as a spiritual space is undermined by his own detachment and self-awareness. – The westward journey motif is used ironically, questioning whether Galway truly represents an authentic Irish identity (p. 157). |
| “Cre na Cille” – Máirtín Ó Cadhain | – Traditionally seen as a purely Irish west-of-Ireland novel, but Sheeran argues it is heavily influenced by Dostoevsky and Gogol, making it more European in scope (p. 152). – The radio-play structure reflects the influence of modernist European literature rather than Irish oral traditions (p. 152). – Challenges the idea that Galway’s literary identity is isolated from global literary trends (p. 152). |
| “The Aran Islands” – J.M. Synge | – Synge’s work romanticizes the Aran Islands, portraying them as an untouched, mythical space (p. 157). – Frames the landscape as a cultural museum, reinforcing a colonial/exoticizing gaze (p. 157). – Sheeran critiques the textualization of landscape, where the land becomes a symbol rather than a real, changing environment (p. 153). |
| “The Celtic Twilight” – W.B. Yeats | – Yeats’ mythologization of the west erases economic hardships and modernization, reinforcing a nationalist ideal of Ireland (p. 156). – The west is constructed as a spiritual and folkloric realm, rather than an evolving, lived space (p. 156). – Sheeran connects Yeats’ work to nationalist mythmaking, where landscapes serve ideological purposes rather than reflecting contemporary realities (p. 156). |
Key Takeaways from Sheeran’s Critiques:
- Deconstructs Romanticized Visions: Irish literature often idealizes the west, ignoring social and economic changes.
- Highlights the Colonial/Postcolonial Gaze: Some texts reinforce outsider perspectives, treating landscapes as symbols rather than real places.
- Connects Irish Literature to Global Influences: Works like Cre na Cille and The Dead blend Irish themes with European literary traditions.
- Advocates for a New Literary Perspective: Calls for literature to engage with modern Irish landscapes, beyond nationalist or folkloric portrayals.
Criticism Against “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
1. Overemphasis on Pragmatism and Economic Factors
- Sheeran downplays the symbolic and mythological importance of landscape in literature by arguing that it should be understood through lived experience, economic forces, and modernization (Sheeran, 2003, p. 154).
- Some critics argue that landscapes in literature serve both symbolic and practical functions, and Sheeran’s insistence on a pragmatic view limits deeper interpretations in literary studies.
2. Dismissal of Romantic and Nationalist Literary Traditions
- Sheeran critiques Yeats, Synge, and others for mythologizing the Irish west, but some scholars argue that these representations are integral to Irish cultural identity rather than mere literary constructs (p. 156).
- His argument that nationalist mythmaking distorts reality has been contested by critics who view these myths as essential to Ireland’s postcolonial literary identity.
3. Underestimation of the Role of Folklore and Oral Tradition
- Sheeran argues that works like Cre na Cille are more influenced by European literature than Irish oral traditions (p. 152).
- Critics argue that folklore and oral storytelling deeply shape Irish literature, and Sheeran undervalues their role in constructing the landscape’s literary identity.
4. Limited Engagement with Postcolonial Theory
- While Sheeran acknowledges the postcolonial critique of landscape, he does not fully explore how colonial history shaped Irish geography and literary depictions (p. 156).
- Postcolonial scholars argue that Irish literature must be analyzed within a framework of cultural resistance, which Sheeran does not fully integrate into his argument.
5. Lack of Focus on Contemporary Irish Literature
- Sheeran primarily critiques canonical works (Yeats, Joyce, Synge, Ó Cadhain) but does not apply his framework to contemporary Irish literature.
- Critics suggest that his arguments would benefit from an engagement with modern Irish writers who depict Ireland’s evolving landscapes.
6. Underrepresentation of the Irish Language and Non-English Literary Traditions
- Sheeran’s analysis is largely centered on English-language Irish literature, with minimal engagement with Irish-language texts (p. 152).
- This oversight is significant because the Irish language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of landscape, particularly in Gaelic poetry and storytelling.
7. Potential Contradictions in His Argument
- Sheeran criticizes the textualization of landscapes yet relies on literary critique to analyze them, which some see as contradictory (p. 153).
- His call for a more “realistic” engagement with landscape conflicts with the idea that literature, by nature, constructs and reimagines space rather than merely reflecting reality.
Final Thoughts on the Criticism of Landscape and Literature
- While Sheeran provides an important rethinking of Irish literary landscapes, his work has been challenged for being too pragmatic, too dismissive of nationalism and folklore, and not fully engaging with contemporary or postcolonial perspectives.
- A more balanced approach that integrates his cultural materialist critique with an appreciation of symbolic and historical traditions in Irish literature could strengthen his argument.
Representative Quotations from “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “A sense of place is not just a matter of semiotics, that it is first and foremost an experience.” (Sheeran, 2003, p. 153) | Sheeran critiques the textualization of landscape, arguing that it should not be reduced to symbols but should be understood through lived experience and practical realities. |
| “Galway, and indeed the west of Ireland more generally, is always susceptible to appropriation by outsiders as a signifier for something else.” (p. 152) | Sheeran highlights how literature, tourism, and nationalism have transformed the west of Ireland into a cultural symbol, often detaching it from its real socio-economic conditions. |
| “We have to expand or reinvent entirely our notion of what constitutes a sense of place.” (p. 154) | A call for rethinking Irish landscape beyond its traditional, rural, and romanticized depictions to include modern suburban and urban landscapes. |
| “The problem is now, as I see it, that we have identified our notion of what constitutes our sense of place far too exclusively with the residual landscape.” (p. 155) | Sheeran applies Raymond Williams’ theory to Irish landscapes, arguing that nostalgia for the rural past limits engagement with emerging landscapes shaped by globalization. |
| “Romanticism and rationalism rarely come together in the same text, yet both shape how we understand the Irish landscape.” (p. 157) | Sheeran contrasts literary romanticism (Yeats, Synge) with scientific rationalism (colonial ethnographers), showing how both influence Irish landscape representations. |
| “The west of Ireland again emerges as the locus for a visionary quest.” (p. 156) | He critiques how modern Irish-American literature continues to reinforce the myth of the west as a place of spiritual awakening, rather than an evolving space. |
| “The vernacular landscape—the cluttered spaces where most of us spend our time—is just as significant as the grand, sublime landscapes of literature.” (p. 154) | Influenced by J.B. Jackson, Sheeran argues that ordinary, urbanized spaces deserve recognition in Irish cultural identity, not just idyllic countryside settings. |
| “The notion of a purely internalized history of roots, affiliations and memories is, I think, highly suspect.” (p. 152) | Challenges the essentialist idea that Irish identity is fixed and rooted in a timeless past, advocating for a more fluid and dynamic cultural understanding. |
| “Joyce both incorporates and subtly questions the vision quest west of the Shannon.” (p. 157) | Sheeran sees The Dead as an example of literary ambivalence, where Joyce acknowledges but also critiques the romanticization of the west in Irish literature. |
| “We are not only aware, but complicit in the dramatic changes going on in the landscape around us.” (p. 154) | Sheeran suggests that modernization, suburbanization, and commercialization are not external forces but shaped by our own participation in economic and cultural shifts. |
Suggested Readings: “Landscape and Literature” by Patrick Sheeran
- Sheeran, Patrick. “Landscape and Literature.” Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, vol. 55, 2003, pp. 151–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25535764. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
- Sheeran, Patrick. “Genius Fabulae: The Irish Sense of Place.” Irish University Review, vol. 18, no. 2, 1988, pp. 191–206. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25484245. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
- CRONIN, NESSA. “Archaeologies of the Future: Landscapes of the ‘New Ireland’ in Gerard Donovan’s Country of the Grand.” The Irish Review (Cork), no. 54, 2018, pp. 80–93. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48564059. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.