From the Irish of Pangur Ban (for Mairin): Plot

Contextual Understanding - “From the Irish of Pangur Ban (for Mairin)”

Eavan Boland was a renowned Irish poet, respected for her verses that mirror the struggles of Irish identity, female issues, and the interplay of the past with the contemporary.
Boland’s personal touch is often seen in her poetry. “From the Irish of Pangur Ban (for Mairin)” is no exception as she reflects on the relationship between daughters and their fathers, as Boland herself was very close to her father.
Boland’s poetry is characterised by its confrontation of traditional narratives that marginalise women’s experiences. In “Pangur Ban”, she communicates this through the voice of a female narrator looking at a father-daughter relationship.
The social and political atmosphere of Ireland is frequently a prominent element in Boland’s work. Although “Pangur Ban” appears less political, it subtly hints at the struggles of nationalism and a striving for an independent identity.

The poem explores parenthood and love, with Boland reflecting on a father’s adoration for his daughter and her longing to understand their bond.
The theme of identity finding is central to the poem as the daughter tries to grasp her father’s emotions, his nation’s history, and through it, make sense of her own identity.
Boland uses the poem to delve into the concept of time and memory, depicting how they interplay in shaping an individual’s consciousness and identity.

Boland’s selection of third-person narrative in “Pangur Ban” emphasises the observational aspect of the poem. She observes and analyses the father-daughter relationship from the outside.
Boland uses detailed and emotive imagery throughout the poem. The personalised scenes she creates strike a chord and make the abstract emotions tangible.
Like much of her poetry, “Pangur Ban” brings life to symbols and metaphors. For instance, Boland uses the image of the cat (Pangur Ban) to symbolise the father’s patience and wisdom.
Boland’s conscious usage of simple yet profound language throughout the poem mirrors the themes of simplicity juxtaposed against intricacy and depth in human relationships.

Quote 1: “Who will restore him his nation?” This signals the father’s rootedness to his land and the importance of the history of his nation as a part of his identity.
Quote 2: “Your daughter’s hand touched his hand, Emphasises the natural bond between the father and the daughter, asserting the innate human capacity for understanding and compassion.
Quote 3: “In mists of her words and his silence.” This highlights the communication gap between the generations in understanding emotions and expressing them, a common theme in Boland’s verse.