Jaycee Woods

I have a short story idea in inventory about a young Irish lieutenant who met a Dullahan on the road on his way to port to embark for the Seven Year War. For the same character, I have an idea for a longer story about him becoming an American farmer and then an officer in the Revolution. In the third story, he returns to Ireland after his older brother’s death to install his son in their family seat. Below is some research related to that third story.

Prompt: What derisive term might an 18th century Irish Catholic use to refer to the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Church of England?

Copilot: In the 18th century, an Irish Catholic might refer to the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Church of England with terms like “heretic” or “Protestant usurper.” These terms reflect the deep religious and political tensions of the time, especially given the historical context of the Reformation and the subsequent conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. The term “heretic” would underscore the Catholic view of the Church of England as having deviated from true faith, while “Protestant usurper” would highlight the perceived illegitimacy of the Anglican Church’s authority.

How do you plan to incorporate this tension into your narrative?

Prompt: Nothing more colorful than heretic might be said in a pub? No “Satan’s Mistress”?

Copilot: In the lively atmosphere of an 18th-century Irish pub, you might hear more colorful and biting terms. “Satan’s Mistress” could certainly fit the bill, adding a dramatic flair to the dialogue. Other possibilities might include “English devil” or “Protestant scourge.” These terms would reflect the deep-seated animosity and religious tensions of the time, adding authenticity and intensity to your characters’ interactions.

How do you plan to use these colorful expressions to enhance the dialogue and atmosphere in your story?

Prompt: Really an Irish Catholic subject to British rule in his own country couldn’t muster a better insult?

Copilot: Oh, absolutely! An Irish Catholic in the 18th century, especially one feeling the weight of British rule, could certainly come up with some biting and colorful insults. Here are a few more vivid possibilities:

• “Cromwell’s spawn”: Referring to Oliver Cromwell, whose campaigns in Ireland left a lasting legacy of bitterness.
• “English tyrant”: Highlighting the oppressive nature of British rule.
• “Saxon devil”: A term that underscores the deep-seated animosity towards the English.

These terms would add authenticity and intensity to your characters’ interactions, reflecting the historical tensions of the time. How do you plan to use these expressions to enhance the dialogue and atmosphere in your story?

Prompt: As Cromwell’s troops sacked the local cathedral 100 years earlier that would be apt.

Copilot: Using “Cromwell’s spawn” as an insult is spot-on given the historical context. It would definitely carry a lot of weight and bitterness, reflecting the deep-seated resentment toward Cromwell and his actions in Ireland. This can add a layer of historical authenticity and emotional depth to your character’s dialogue.

Imagine a scene in the local pub, with patrons huddled over their pints, and your character spitting out the term “Cromwell’s spawn” with palpable disdain. It would immediately convey a sense of historical grievance and set the tone for the cultural and social undercurrents in your narrative.

Do you have other historical elements or events in mind that you’d like to weave into your story?

Prompt: How would such an Irishman refer to the Catholic Church? The true church? Anything more reverential or in Latin?

Copilot: An Irishman in the 18th century, especially a devout Catholic, might refer to the Catholic Church with great reverence. He could call it “the true Church” or “the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,” emphasizing its perceived legitimacy and divine foundation. For a more formal or Latin touch, he might use terms like “Sancta Mater Ecclesia” (Holy Mother Church) or “Ecclesia Catholica.”

These expressions would underscore the deep respect and devotion he feels towards his faith and could serve as a powerful contrast to the disdain he holds for the Church of England.

How do you plan to depict the character’s religious devotion and its impact on his actions and decisions?

Prompt: I was looking for terms that an Irish Republican might use to test the returning American to gage his loyalty to Ireland and the Catholic Church.

Copilot: Understood. An Irish Republican in the late 18th century would likely use terms loaded with both political and religious significance to test the American’s loyalty. Here are some phrases that could fit:

1. “True son of Erin”: A term that emphasizes loyalty to Ireland.
2. “Faithful to the Holy Mother Church”: Highlighting commitment to the Catholic Church.
3. “Patriot of the Green Isle”: A phrase emphasizing devotion to Ireland’s independence.
4. “Defender of the faith”: Stating alignment with Catholicism in the face of Protestant English rule.

These terms would help the Irish Republican gauge where the returning American stands on both political and religious grounds.