From the Irish of Pangur Ban (for Mairin): Themes & Linking Poems

“From the Irish of Pangur Ban (for Mairin)”: Themes

Dedication to craft: The poem revolves around the theme of dedication to one’s craft, as demonstrated by both the cat and the poet. Their relentless pursuit and attention to detail reflects Boland’s acknowledgement of the commitment required for any form of mastery.
The human struggle: Boland compares her struggle with writing to the cat’s hunt for mice, suggesting the universal nature of struggle, whether in fulfilling one’s basic needs or emotional and intellectual pursuits.
The role of women: Boland subtly addresses the role of women in literature by presenting herself as a female poet. Her references to domesticity – the cat in the household – could suggest the need to balance artistic pursuits with traditional gender norms.
Solitude: The presence of the solitary cat alludes to the loneliness often encountered in the pursuit of mastery, especially in creative endeavours like writing.
The elusive nature of inspiration: The poet’s description of her struggle to capture inspiration contrasts with the cat’s effortless act of hunting, suggesting that the process of creativity is often elusive and unpredictable.

Link with “This Moment”: Both poems explore the theme of a fleeting moment in time, with “This Moment” focusing on a moment of serenity in suburban life. The mundane experiences that Boland muses upon in both poems can be linked to the everyday life and environment she often uses to underpin her poetry.
Link with “The Pomegranate”: Boland’s exploration of the intersections between the private, feminine world and the public, male world is reflected in both poems. In “The Pomegranate”, the domestic symbol of the pomegranate is used to explore the femininity and power of women in classic mythology, similar to the powerful but domestic figure of the cat in “From the Irish of Pangur Bàn”.
Link with “It’s a Woman’s World”: This poem likewise explores themes around the role of women and the struggles they face to balance domestic responsibilities with their individual dreams and aspirations. Both poems illustrate Boland’s personal struggles within these societal expectations and how they impact her creative process.
Link with “Night Feed”: “Night Feed” also draws from Boland’s experiences as a woman and a mother. The physical act of feeding mirrors the intellectual ‘feeding’ carried out by the cat and poet in “From the Irish of Pangur Bàn”, reflecting the poet’s struggle to nurture both herself and her creative work.