3 Review(s)

"The Hedge School": This story centers around the traditional Irish hedge schools, clandestine educational institutions that operated outside the purview of British rule during a time when the penal laws restricted Catholic education in Ireland. Carleton vividly portrays the struggles of the hedge schoolmaster, who faces persecution and harassment from the authorities for providing education to the local children. Through the characters and events of the story, Carleton highlights the resilience of the Irish peasantry and their determination to preserve their language, culture, and identity through education."The Midnight Mass": Set during the period of the penal laws, "The Midnight Mass" explores the clandestine celebration of the Catholic Mass, which was prohibited under British rule. Carleton depicts the risks and sacrifices faced by Catholic priests and parishioners as they defy the authorities to practice their faith in secret. The story captures the tension and suspense surrounding the clandestine Mass, as well as the deep sense of devotion and solidarity among the Irish Catholic community."The Donagh": "The Donagh" is a tale that delves into the superstitions and folklore of rural Ireland. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Anne Doran, whose fate becomes intertwined with the supernatural legends of the Donagh, a haunted and forbidden place in the local landscape. Carleton masterfully weaves elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural into the narrative, exploring the power of belief and the human fascination with the unknown.