Representation strategies of the “internal” Other image in the early 21st century British literature

Abstract

The article examines historical novels by the early 21 st century British writers where the authors turn to images of “internal” Others: Welsh, Irish and Scots. For each of these regions, we can identify topics that are associated specifically with them. Thus, the Welsh component is connected, first of all, with Celtic culture and social issues. Ireland is associated with religious theme, and Scotland is associated with a historical component. Edward Rutherfurd’s dilogy on Ireland “Dublin: Foundation” (2004) and “Ireland Awakening” (2006), presents the history of the Christianity development in Ireland. The writer emphasizes the continuity of paganism and Christianity. The following series of works analyzed in this article is dedicated to one of the most significant historical figures in Scotland, Robert the Bruce. The novels “Insurrection” (2010), “Renegade” (2012) and “Kingdom” (2014) examine the period of Scottish identity formation exemplified by King Robert and his opposition to the English monarchy. In Ken Follett’s trilogy “Century”, which includes “Fall of Giants” (2010), “Winter of the World” (2012) and “Edge of Eternity” (2014), we can note the socio-political issues associated, first of all, with the Welsh characters. At the same time, the idea common to all these works is the Celtic peoples’ community and their opposition to the English.