Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The Irish rebellion of 1916 : $b or, the unbroken tradition

The Irish rebellion of 1916 : $b or, the unbroken tradition

Written by Nora Connolly O'Brien

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Ireland

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The Irish Rebellion of 1916: or, The Unbroken Tradition" by Nora Connolly O'Brien is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details the significant events and sentiments surrounding the Easter Week uprising in Ireland, focusing on the aspiration for self-governance and the role of various figures and organizations in the rebellion. The narrative is both personal and political, exploring the motivations behind the revolutionary actions taken against British rule in Ireland. The opening portion of the text introduces us to key themes of resistance and identity in Ireland. It begins with an acknowledgment of the various explanations provided for the uprising, asserting that the English occupation is the primary catalyst for the rebellion. The author emphasizes the unbroken tradition of fighting for freedom throughout Irish history, using both lyrical prose and historical anecdotes to express the collective spirit and sacrifice of the Irish people. Connolly O'Brien shares her personal experience as the daughter of James Connolly, detailing her involvement in the labor strikes and the revolutionary efforts leading up to the insurrection, which creates a vivid picture of the fervor and dedication felt by those participating in the struggle for Irish independence.

Read it with a club

Small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.

All clubs
Hands holding a paperback open in slatted sunlight

News

  • 1 member
  • 1,813 discussions
  • Active 7h ago

Read The Irish rebellion of 1916 : $b or, the unbroken tradition alongside people who are reading it too.

Open the club

Also here: News Bulletin, Just Joking....

Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.

See Prime

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Irish rebellion of 1916 : $b or, the unbroken tradition, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • defiant
  • historical
  • passionate

Nora Connolly O'Brien's "The Irish rebellion of 1916: or, the unbroken tradition" is a compelling firsthand account and passionate defense of the Easter Rising, written shortly after the events by the daughter of revolutionary leader James Connolly. The book chronicles the political climate leading up to the rebellion, the motivations of its participants, and the events of the Rising itself, culminating in the executions of its leaders. O'Brien meticulously links the 1916 insurrection to a long lineage of Irish resistance, arguing for its legitimacy as a continuation of a struggle for national sovereignty and social justice. It serves as a vital primary source, offering an intimate and partisan perspective on a pivotal moment in Irish history, imbued with nationalist and socialist ideology.

“"The unbroken tradition of Irish resistance to foreign domination is the very bedrock upon which our nationhood rests."”

Key themes

Irish Nationalism and Self-Determination
This is the overarching theme, exploring the centuries-long desire for an independent Irish Republic free from British rule. O'Brien frames the 1916 Rising as a direct and legitimate expression of this enduring national will, arguing that sovereignty is an inherent right of the Irish people.
Socialism and Workers' Rights
Heavily influenced by her father, James Connolly, O'Brien emphasizes that the rebellion was not solely for national independence but also for social justice and the liberation of the working class. She argues that true freedom for Ireland must include economic freedom for its people, linking national oppression with capitalist exploitation.
Sacrifice and Martyrdom
O'Brien presents the Easter Rising, particularly the executions of its leaders, as a necessary and profound act of 'blood sacrifice' that galvanized the Irish people and ensured the eventual success of the independence movement. The rebels are portrayed as martyrs whose deaths served a higher cause.

Worth discussing

How does Nora Connolly O'Brien's personal connection to James Connolly shape her portrayal of the Easter Rising and its leaders?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!