The recitation is called Young Donal. Coincidentally, the first name of the actors who played the parts of Freddy Malins and Gabriel Conroy is Donal (both sadly deceased).
This poem, called "Donal Og", meaning Young Donal, is in fact a very old Irish ballad dating back many centuries. It was translated into English during a period called the Celtic Revival in which much of the intelligentsia of Ireland, both Catholic and Protestant, were reaching back to their own linguistic and cultural roots in an effort to create a reinvigorated artistic milieu that was uniquely Irish. In addition to Lady Gregory, who was certainly a real person and a brilliant translator, WB Yeats was perhaps the most famous name of this movement, though there are many many more, all well worth investigating. Joyce himself had quite mixed feelings about the Revival, and in fact the director of the film John Huston added this scene where it does not exist in the original short story. However, I would argue it fits in absolutely brilliantly with the story's themes of love, sadness and the secrets of the human heart.
I have no words. Just beautiful. Heartbreaking. And breathtaking.
One of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite films of all time. Just stunning.
I couldn't agree more. High art...
John Huston did a great job a perfect adaption of James Joyce great short story
That last line gets me every time: "and my fear is great that you have taken God from me."
It's wonderful. I am reminded of the saying that, had the Lord not made strong drink, the Irish would assuredly rule the world.
A GORGEOUS POEM FROM A GORGEOUS FILM.
The recitation is called Young Donal. Coincidentally, the first name of the actors who played the parts of Freddy Malins and Gabriel Conroy is Donal (both sadly deceased).
the best
I am watching the film now. I wish I knew the author of the poem, or could it be Joyce himself?
This poem, called "Donal Og", meaning Young Donal, is in fact a very old Irish ballad dating back many centuries. It was translated into English during a period called the Celtic Revival in which much of the intelligentsia of Ireland, both Catholic and Protestant, were reaching back to their own linguistic and cultural roots in an effort to create a reinvigorated artistic milieu that was uniquely Irish. In addition to Lady Gregory, who was certainly a real person and a brilliant translator, WB Yeats was perhaps the most famous name of this movement, though there are many many more, all well worth investigating. Joyce himself had quite mixed feelings about the Revival, and in fact the director of the film John Huston added this scene where it does not exist in the original short story. However, I would argue it fits in absolutely brilliantly with the story's themes of love, sadness and the secrets of the human heart.
Thank you for broadening my knowledge of the Irish culture. You, Joyce and Huston have done a lot for my education.
8th century translation from the Irish?
more likely 17-18th century?
Who is the actor reading?
kenny brookes Frank Patterson
+mkonatar No Frank Patterson is the tenor in the film.
+christine Scheiner I looked him up...looks like frank patterson to me.
The actor's name is Sean McClory. As Christine said, Frank Patterson played the tenor named Bartell D'Arcy in the film.
No, Patterson was the one singing "The Lass of Aughrim". This is Sean McClory reading the old Irish poem "Young Donal".