Irish Poetry Analysis: Themes, Emotions, and Imagery

A set of 5 vocabulary flashcards analyzing key themes, emotions, characterizations, imagery, and personal responses from Irish poetry study notes.

Téama (Theme)

The central theme of the poem, identified as love (grá), demonstrated through an argument that occurs between the mother and daughter one day.

Mothúchán is láidre (Strongest emotion)

The strongest emotion in the poem, which is love (grá)—specifically the mother's love for her daughter even when the daughter is cross (crosta) and upset (trína chéile).

Duine grámhar (Loving person)

A loving individual; used to characterize the mother, who remained unprovoked and gave love to her daughter even though the daughter was angry (fearg) and distressed (trína chéile).

Íomhá den iníon (Image of the daughter)

A visual image presented in the poem showing the daughter cross, angry, with tears in her eyes (deora ina súile), and crying, while her mother shows love to her.

Is maith liom an dán (I like the poem)

A personal evaluation expressing great liking for the poem based on the themes (téamaí) and emotions (mothúcháin) portrayed in it.