'The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks'

Themes / Summary

400

Social injustice

Uses the real tragedy of Ann Lovett, who died after giving birth in a grotto, to explore issues of abuse, social judgement, and the consequences of policies like the 8th Amendment.

500

Critique of the Catholic Church

Criticises the lack of compassion within Catholicism and highlights how the church's influence had a detrimental effect on women. (Ann Lovett died aged 16, 1984)

Techniques

100

Allusion

Hera and Zeus

200

Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to create contrast, such as the 'garrison towns, walled cities, ghetto lanes' compared to the 'bitter' weather outside, which mirrors the harsh religious atmosphere

300

Metaphor

The statue serves as a metaphor for the institutional Church - immobility symbolises the church's perceived inability to help the vulnerable

400

Repetition

'I did not move' - shows church's inaction

500

Personification

The statue of the Virgin Mary expresses the human emotions of anger and desire that are supressed by her religious role

Imagery

100

Grotto

Cave-like feature which houses statues  of the Virgin Mary. Ann Lovett gave birth beside one and died.

(Blank)

400

How does the statue criticise the patriarchy?

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500

How is the statue critical of Irish societal attitudes?

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