44 pages • 1 hour read
The Wonder
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Background
Historical Context: The Great Famine
The Great Famine (known within Ireland as the Great Hunger) was a devastating period of mass starvation and disease that occurred between 1845 and 1852 in Ireland as a result of widespread crop failure. Nearly 1 million people died in Ireland and another 2 million emigrated, leaving a profound impact on Irish culture and society. As of 2023, Ireland’s population has still not recovered to pre-Famine levels. The primary cause of the Great Famine was a potato blight caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, which thrived in Ireland’s cool, damp climate and spread rapidly across the country in 1845. Without a sufficient potato harvest, many Irish peasants and tenant farmers were left without a source of food or income. As the famine worsened, related diseases, such as typhus and dysentery, spread rapidly due to malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions.
The British colonial government, which ruled Ireland at this time, exacerbated the crisis in many ways. The government initially provided relief efforts, but these were inadequate and poorly organized, and failed to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people. The government’s laissez-faire economic policies and reliance on market forces worsened the situation as food exports from Ireland to England continued despite the famine.
The British response fueled a surge in Irish nationalism and calls for political autonomy. The Great Famine remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of natural disasters, inadequate government response, and colonialism. The lasting effects of the Great Famine—in particular, tension with the English and food-related trauma—are visible throughout The Wonder.
Cultural Context: Catholicism in 19th-Century Ireland
The Catholic Church had a profound influence on the lives of Irish people in the 19th century. The Church’s presence in the countryside, where the majority of the population lived as peasants, played a central role in shaping spiritual, social, and cultural experiences. The local parish priests held a position of great respect and influence, often acting not only as spiritual guides but as mediators in local disputes and a source of charitable aid. For rural Irish people, attending Mass on Sundays and participating in religious rituals were essential, providing a sense of belonging and community. Parish schools, often run by the Church, provided basic education to the children of peasants. These schools not only imparted academic knowledge but reinforced religious values and teachings. The Church’s influence was not without controversy, however: Throughout the 19th century, critics suggested that the Church’s control over aspects of rural life led to abuses of power.
Ireland has a history of saintly devotion, and the veneration of saints held a special place in the hearts of Irish peasants. Saints were seen as intercessors between individuals and God, offering protection from harm and guidance in daily life. Saints were believed to perform miracles in the lives of the faithful, and Irish people often turned to saints like Saint Patrick and Saint Kildare for blessings and protection in times of need. The influence of the Catholic Church, and especially the veneration of saints, is visible throughout The Wonder.
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