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This is a special series of Yr Hen Iaith - one that has been created specifically for people studying Welsh A Level. Each episode in the series relates to an aspect of the syllabus. You can listen to two old friends discussing Welsh literature, one an expert in the field and the other eager to learn more, and both having a lot of fun while scrutinizing some of Wales' most important literary treasures.
A fun introduction to the history of Welsh literature, with Jerry Hunter and Richard Wyn Jones.
Yr Hen Iaith (A Level Welsh) - Martha, Jac, a Sianco
Desciption
We discuss Martha, Jac a Sianco in this episode, scrutinizing how the novel depicts the dark side of rural life.
We find that even the most shocking aspects of the novel reflect reality and that this courageous work goes against a stream of Welsh literature that elevates, romanticises and idealises the life of the farmer. We praise Caryl Lewis's craft as we scrutinize the character and structure. While there is so much hard reality in the novel, we note that there are also elements that conflict with realism as the reader experiences surreal or magical aspects. We suggest that there is also a gothic feel to it and that it is possible to see the shadow of 'Mami' as an inverted version of the stereotypical 'Welsh Mam'.
Yr Hen Iaith (A Level Welsh): Un Nos Ola Leuad
Desciption
We discuss Un Nos Ola Leuad in this episode while filming at the National Library of Wales, with Caradog Prichard's own notebook with one of his original plans for the novel and a draft of a chapter in front of us. We consider the style of this remarkable work and the way it moves between dialectal and formal tones. We explore many aspects of the novel, including its treatment of mental illness, poverty, religion and cruelty. We also note in passing that this innovative work has had a significant impact on other Welsh artists.