Poet John Hewitt, 1907-1987 and Criticism of Northern Irish Protestant Writing

Book excerpt: This study questions the validity of John Hewitt's prominence in Northern Irish Protestant writing and asserts the need for a more accurate history of this genre. Confronting the perceived wisdoms of a highly politicized discourse, it undermines Hewitt's status within it as a matchless, acceptable Protestant for a critically re-visioned Ireland. Challenging the substance of Hewitt's self-representations as icon of cultural liberalism, radical secular dissenter, and verse-apologist for the Planter condition, this book shows that his elevation over the majority of northern Protestants is tenable only within an incomprehensive history of Northern Irish Protestant writing that diminishes other important figures. The study provides a framework for a more equitable study of Protestant voices.