Jane Barlow

Jane Barlow Biography

Jane Barlow (17 October 1856 – 17 April 1917) was an Irish writer celebrated for her vivid portrayals of Irish peasant life. Born in Dollymount, Clontarf, County Dublin, she was the second child and eldest daughter of Rev. James William Barlow, vice-provost of Trinity College Dublin. Raised in Raheny, she spent most of her life in the family home known as "The Cottage" in the townland of Ballyhoy.

Educated at home by a governess and her father, Barlow became proficient in French and German, was a talented classical scholar, and an accomplished pianist. In her twenties, she traveled extensively throughout Ireland and visited countries including Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey, broadening her cultural and literary perspectives.

Barlow's literary career gained prominence with the publication of Irish Idylls in 1892, a collection of stories that achieved significant success, running into nine editions and garnering readership across Europe and America. Her works often depicted the lives of Irish peasants in fictional villages like Lisconnel and Ballyhoy, exploring themes related to landlords and the Great Famine.

In recognition of her literary contributions, Barlow was among the first women to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from Trinity College Dublin when it began granting degrees to women. She was an active contributor to the National Literary Society in Dublin and maintained friendships with notable figures such as Katharine Tynan and the painter Sarah Purser, who painted her portrait in 1894.

After her father's death in 1913, Barlow moved with her siblings to Bray, County Wicklow. Despite declining health, she continued writing until her death on 17 April 1917. Her legacy endures through her empathetic and detailed narratives that provide insight into Irish rural life during her era.

Trivia About Jane Barlow

• Barlow wrote under the pseudonyms Felix Ryark, Antares, and Skorpios.
• Her home, "The Cottage" in Raheny, was known by various names over the years, including "Ballyhoy" and "Raheny House."
• She was a member of the Society for Psychical Research for more than 25 years and was elected to its Committee of Reference and Publication shortly before her death.
• Barlow's portrait, painted by her friend Sarah Purser in 1894, is held by the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin.

Famous Quotes by Jane Barlow

• "The innate sweetness of the Irish character makes it worth portrayal."
• "I had set my heart too long upon being a poet ever to give up the idea quite contentedly."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Jane Barlow?

Jane Barlow was an Irish writer known for her novels and poems that vividly depicted the lives of Irish peasants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What are some of Jane Barlow's notable works?

Some of her notable works include Irish Idylls (1892), Kerrigan's Quality (1893), and Strangers at Lisconnel (1895).

What was Jane Barlow's contribution to Irish literature?

Barlow's writings provided empathetic and detailed narratives of Irish rural life, contributing significantly to the literary portrayal of Ireland's social landscape during her time.

Related Literary Movements

Jane Barlow's work is associated with the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that sought to promote Irish literature and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her focus on rural Irish life and use of local dialects contributed to the preservation and appreciation of Irish heritage.

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