The Potato People: Themes - Notes

Based on the notes, write about the themes. Give details from the story.

Poverty and hardship of life
The potato blight has left the villagers poor and helpless. They experienced famine, diseases and suffering. To escape poverty and hardship, many of the villagers leave Ireland.

Survival of the fittest
Patrick and Mary together with many of the poverty-stricken villagers are bold enough to take risks to improve their lives. They leave behind a world they have known for the unknown. It takes sheer grit to survive such hardships and this reflects the resilience of the human spirit.

Social class such as the rich and the poor
Mr. Graystone’s men show no mercy towards the Irish farmers. Their village is left in ruins. The British soldiers In Cock also attack mobs of hungry people instead of addressing the issues of poverty, hunger and disease.

Endurance and patience during the difficult times
The poverty-stricken Irish are forced to leave Ireland for greener pastures in pursuit of happiness.

Starvation and hunger in the country
The Irish villagers are starving and afflicted by terrible epidemics like typhoid and cholera. For them, the potato is a symbol of food and hope. Their land has been struck by the potato blight. They lose their sole source of food and income. They had no food to eat and ended up eating grass and weeds to survive. Despair sets in as they fall sick, starve and hungry.

Friendship and loyalty
Despite all the hardships and disillusionment, friendship prevails. The villagers unite to try to fend off the British soldiers and Mr. Graystone. Friendship is also pivotal in the bonding between Patrick and Mary, Patrick and Sean. Together Patrick and Mary travel thought thick and thin, bonded by their friendship and loyalty to each other, Sean’s generosity is instrumental in enabling his friends to emigrate despite himself being caught by the soldiers.