What Do You Understand by the Notion of an, ‘Invented Tradition’?

TMA04 – Essay Plan

Q. What do you understand by the notion of an, ‘invented tradition’? In what ways have Irish nationalist used ‘invented traditions’ to shape a common understanding of the national past? Discuss with reference to no more than three examples.

Introduction

Explain purpose of essay and also what an, ‘invented tradition’ is. Use the readings in the textbook, particularly Hobsbawm:

“[An] ‘Invented tradition’ is taken to mean a set of practices, normally governed by overtly or tacitly accepted rules and of a ritual or symbolic nature, which seek to inculcate certain values and norms of behaviour by repetition, which automatically implies continuity with the past.”

Main Body

In this section, use three examples of invented traditions to answer question. Invented traditions used by the nationalists include:

• National Symbols: Harp, Shamrock, Hounds etc (check DVD)

• Architecture: Nationalists placed emphasis on pre-colonial architecture as part of their heritage - they were self conscious in letting Georgian architecture crumble and decay. Also mention the roundtower (check DVD)

• Language: Gaelic as a national language – see page 162 as well as Reading 5.2 by Reverand O’Hickey.

• Religion: Check out page 161 and figure 5.4 – Petrie.

Use a separate paragraph for each point. Some useful quotes can be found in section 5.2 of the textbook, and between pages 155 & 164.

Conclusion

Summarise key point and relate directly back to question:

In conclusion, while it is clear that…and there is opinion that…there are also instances where…and thus it can be argued that…Overall…

Useful quotes - DVD

“Ireland had little interest in preserving the architecture of its British oppressors. Nations give away a good deal about their attitude to their own past by how they choose to preserve or ignore their built heritage.”

“Today the buildings of 18th century Ireland no...