Potato People by Angela Wright

Introduction
Angela Wright, in her novel Potato People, narrates about a difficult time in Irish
history when the “potato blight’, a plant disease carried from America to Ireland,
completely destroyed the entire Irish potato harvest thereby causing a mass
starvation that eradicated almost a third of the Irish population in the 1840’s.
Help did come from England which was governing Ireland but two to three million
f the Irish population had already died because of starvation, diseases and
epidemics such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery that had entailed the famine.
During that bleak period, also known as “The Great Hunger’, many Irish fled to
America. Evidence of that disaster can still be seen today through the ruins,
empty villages and bare fields.
Synopsis
This story took place in Ireland in the middle of the nineteenth century. The novel
illustrates the suffering of the Irish people during that time due to the poor harvest
of potatoes and long dry season.
The main character, 16-year-old orphan Patrick Flynne lined in the little village of
Skullroragh. The people of Skullroragh were poor and hungry. They struggle to
survive from starvation because of potatoes disease known as “potato blight”.
The situation got worse due to the colonialisation of the English landlord from
England.
Patrick and his people were driven out of their land led by the henchmen of Lord
Egham known as Mr. Graystone. The entire village was burnt down to the
ground.
Patrick’s friend, Sean was the man who gave Patrick the encouragement and
motivation to search for freedom in faraway land – America. The novel further
explains the difficulties, hurdles and suffering of Patrick in achieving the dream
for freedom. Toward the ending chapters of this novel another character in the
form of Marie, a gypsy girl is introduced. Patrick and Marie shared the best of
friendship, encouragement and braveness in pursuing together for freedom.
When they arrived at Cork, they met Sean, who gave them money for their
passage to America. Sean was later caught for killing Mr. Graystone and was
most probably to be hanged.
Patrick and Marie made their world to the New World, and after many years of
hard work, they finally settled down on their own ranch in California. Patrick
never forgets his past or the lessons he learned. He always helps and takes care
of people who are hungry and homeless who turn up at his door.
Setting
The story of Potato People is set in the 19th century Ireland during the potato
‘blight’, a wide spread plant disease that destroyed potato plants. As a result,
starvation was out of control in the country. The main character, Patrick came
from the village Skullgoragh. The villagers were poor and starving. Later, Patrick
goes on a journey to America and eventually lives in California.
Plot
a. Exposition
• Patrick, an orphan, was introduced to the readers.
• He lived in Skullgoragh, a poor village filled with hungry people.
• The villagers would soon be evicted.
• Mr Graystone and his men arrived with the British soldiers.
b. Conflicts
• Patrick’s village was razed to the ground.
• Sean told Patrick to go to an inn called ‘Three Cats ’and wait for him
there.
• Patrick begins his journey Patrick was horrified by what he saw along
the journey, many hungry people were on the road.
• Patrick met Peter but could not continue the journey with him as the little
girl was sick.
• Patrick met Marie and went through a few soul searching adventures
with her. They became good friends.
• Patrick met Sean who gave him the stolen money for his passage to
America.
• Patrick witnessed Sean being captured by the soldiers.
c. Climax
• Sean was hanged for robbery and murder.
• Patrick and Marie had to hide in the ship ‘ Zeus ’.
d. Resolution
• Patrick learned how Sean got the money.
• Patrick and Marie made their way to America successfully.
• They were married and eventually settled down in a small cattle ranch in
California.
Characters
a. Patrick Flynne – a 16 years old orphan
• Innocent and trusting: He believes everything that people tell him. He
follows what Sean says and trusts everything that Marie tells him.
• Kind and grateful: He never forgets the lesson he learnt in Ireland.
Thus he always helps the poor and the needy.
 • Strong – willed and adventurous: He is determined to go to America to
build a new life for himself although he faces many hurdles and difficulties
on his way. He survived extreme poverty, great hunger and cruelty.
• Hard-working: He did the worst jobs in America just to survive.
• Loyal: He never forgets what Sean has done for him. He tries to help
Sean when Sean is caught by the soldiers for killing Mr. Graystone.
b. Sean – thin and tall.; flaming red hair; big man - from a family
that was once rich and powerful, now extremely poor; proud of
his history and heritage
• Brave: He leads the villagers to confront the British soldiers.
• Kind and benefactor: He is willing to help Patrick to go to America. He
gives Patrick the money he stole and tells Patrick and Marie to buy their
passage to America.
• Self-sacrificing: He is willing to be caught without bringing Patrick with
him. He wants the best for Patrick.
• Vengeful: He was totally disillusioned and broken by the cruelty of the
English. He kills Mr. Graystone for burning down his village to the ground
and steals Lord Egham’s money.
c. Marie – a Gipsy girl about Patrick’s age; dark face abd long
black hair; teeth like pearls; big dark eyes
• Youthful, Optimistic, Full of Spirit: Regardless of the miserable life
surrounding her, she always thinks positively and remains cheerful. She
had a vivid imagination and told Patrick stories to keep up his spirits.
• Independent, Brave and Adventurous: She is not afraid to travel
alone and is able to protect herself. She brings Patrick to the mansion to
look for food and not afraid to pass through the small forest. She is
determined to go to America with Patrick to build a new although she faces
many hurdles and difficulties on her way with Patrick.
• Resourceful and Street-wise: She helps Patrick get into the House of
Lights so that they can get food. She is also streetwise and very
observant. She knows how to handle the hungry people in the forest.
d. Mr. Oswald Graystone
• Cruel: He is a man without any compassion. He takes hash and brutal
actions against farmers who did not pay their rent. He treats the villagers
like slaves and destroys the villages.
• Intimidating: He always rides a black horse, cracking a whip and
always seen with his two gigantic Irish wolfhounds.
• Without conscience: He is pleased when the village is destroyed.
e. Peter O’ Connor
• Compassionate: He rescues Mary and looks after her although she is a
stranger. He bought Patrick bread.
• Friendly and cheerful: He is always able to start a conversation with
strangers. He is a friendly and cheerful man.
• Determined: He is determined to start a new life in America with his
adopted daughter, Mary.
f. Lord Francis Egham
• Cold - hearted: When the villagers cannot afford to pay the rent, he
chases them off his land even though he knows that they are poor and
suffering from starvation. He was very proud and snobbish.
• Uncaring: He has only been to Ireland once; to the land he owns, and
leaves the running of is estate to Mr. Graystone.
Sequence Of Events
• Sequence Of EventsResource

Potato People by Angela Wright

Introduction
Angela Wright, in her novel Potato People, narrates about a difficult time in Irish
history when the “potato blight’, a plant disease carried from America to Ireland,
completely destroyed the entire Irish potato harvest thereby causing a mass
starvation that eradicated almost a third of the Irish population in the 1840’s.
Help did come from England which was governing Ireland but two to three million
f the Irish population had already died because of starvation, diseases and
epidemics such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery that had entailed the famine.
During that bleak period, also known as “The Great Hunger’, many Irish fled to
America. Evidence of that disaster can still be seen today through the ruins,
empty villages and bare fields.
Synopsis
This story took place in Ireland in the middle of the nineteenth century. The novel
illustrates the suffering of the Irish people during that time due to the poor harvest
of potatoes and long dry season.
The main character, 16-year-old orphan Patrick Flynne lined in the little village of
Skullroragh. The people of Skullroragh were poor and hungry. They struggle to
survive from starvation because of potatoes disease known as “potato blight”.
The situation got worse due to the colonialisation of the English landlord from
England.
Patrick and his people were driven out of their land led by the henchmen of Lord
Egham known as Mr. Graystone. The entire village was burnt down to the
ground.
Patrick’s friend, Sean was the man who gave Patrick the encouragement and
motivation to search for freedom in faraway land – America. The novel further
explains the difficulties, hurdles and suffering of Patrick in achieving the dream
for freedom. Toward the ending chapters of this novel another character in the
form of Marie, a gypsy girl is introduced. Patrick and Marie shared the best of
friendship, encouragement and braveness in pursuing together for freedom.
When they arrived at Cork, they met Sean, who gave them money for their
passage to America. Sean was later caught for killing Mr. Graystone and was
most probably to be hanged.
Patrick and Marie made their world to the New World, and after many years of
hard work, they finally settled down on their own ranch in California. Patrick
never forgets his past or the lessons he learned. He always helps and takes care
of people who are hungry and homeless who turn up at his door.
Setting
The story of Potato People is set in the 19th century Ireland during the potato
‘blight’, a wide spread plant disease that destroyed potato plants. As a result,
starvation was out of control in the country. The main character, Patrick came
from the village Skullgoragh. The villagers were poor and starving. Later, Patrick
goes on a journey to America and eventually lives in California.
Plot
a. Exposition
• Patrick, an orphan, was introduced to the readers.
• He lived in Skullgoragh, a poor village filled with hungry people.
• The villagers would soon be evicted.
• Mr Graystone and his men arrived with the British soldiers.
b. Conflicts
• Patrick’s village was razed to the ground.
• Sean told Patrick to go to an inn called ‘Three Cats ’and wait for him
there.
• Patrick begins his journey Patrick was horrified by what he saw along
the journey, many hungry people were on the road.
• Patrick met Peter but could not continue the journey with him as the little
girl was sick.
• Patrick met Marie and went through a few soul searching adventures
with her. They became good friends.
 • Patrick met Sean who gave him the stolen money for his passage to
America.
• Patrick witnessed Sean being captured by the soldiers.
c. Climax
• Sean was hanged for robbery and murder.
• Patrick and Marie had to hide in the ship ‘ Zeus ’.
d. Resolution
• Patrick learned how Sean got the money.
• Patrick and Marie made their way to America successfully.
• They were married and eventually settled down in a small cattle ranch in
California.
Characters
a. Patrick Flynne – a 16 years old orphan
• Innocent and trusting: He believes everything that people tell him. He
follows what Sean says and trusts everything that Marie tells him.
• Kind and grateful: He never forgets the lesson he learnt in Ireland.
Thus he always helps the poor and the needy.
• Strong – willed and adventurous: He is determined to go to America to
build a new life for himself although he faces many hurdles and difficulties
on his way. He survived extreme poverty, great hunger and cruelty.
• Hard-working: He did the worst jobs in America just to survive.
• Loyal: He never forgets what Sean has done for him. He tries to help
Sean when Sean is caught by the soldiers for killing Mr. Graystone.
b. Sean – thin and tall.; flaming red hair; big man - from a family
that was once rich and powerful, now extremely poor; proud of
his history and heritage
• Brave: He leads the villagers to confront the British soldiers.
• Kind and benefactor: He is willing to help Patrick to go to America. He
gives Patrick the money he stole and tells Patrick and Marie to buy their
passage to America.
• Self-sacrificing: He is willing to be caught without bringing Patrick with
him. He wants the best for Patrick.
• Vengeful: He was totally disillusioned and broken by the cruelty of the
English. He kills Mr. Graystone for burning down his village to the ground
and steals Lord Egham’s money.
c. Marie – a Gipsy girl about Patrick’s age; dark face abd long
black hair; teeth like pearls; big dark eyes
 • Youthful, Optimistic, Full of Spirit: Regardless of the miserable life
surrounding her, she always thinks positively and remains cheerful. She
had a vivid imagination and told Patrick stories to keep up his spirits.
• Independent, Brave and Adventurous: She is not afraid to travel
alone and is able to protect herself. She brings Patrick to the mansion to
look for food and not afraid to pass through the small forest. She is
determined to go to America with Patrick to build a new although she faces
many hurdles and difficulties on her way with Patrick.
• Resourceful and Street-wise: She helps Patrick get into the House of
Lights so that they can get food. She is also streetwise and very
observant. She knows how to handle the hungry people in the forest.
d. Mr. Oswald Graystone
• Cruel: He is a man without any compassion. He takes hash and brutal
actions against farmers who did not pay their rent. He treats the villagers
like slaves and destroys the villages.
• Intimidating: He always rides a black horse, cracking a whip and
always seen with his two gigantic Irish wolfhounds.
• Without conscience: He is pleased when the village is destroyed.
e. Peter O’ Connor
• Compassionate: He rescues Mary and looks after her although she is a
stranger. He bought Patrick bread.
• Friendly and cheerful: He is always able to start a conversation with
strangers. He is a friendly and cheerful man.
• Determined: He is determined to start a new life in America with his
adopted daughter, Mary.
f. Lord Francis Egham
• Cold - hearted: When the villagers cannot afford to pay the rent, he
chases them off his land even though he knows that they are poor and
suffering from starvation. He was very proud and snobbish.
• Uncaring: He has only been to Ireland once; to the land he owns, and
leaves the running of is estate to Mr. Graystone.
Sequence Of Events
• Sequence Of EventsResource
• Point of view
The story is told in the third person point of view where the author is all-knowing.
Themes
 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.
 Generosity/Kindness One of the moral values found in the
novel ‘Potato People’ is generosity. This is shown in the friendship
between Patrick Flynn and Sean. In the last few chapters, Sean willingly
gives a sum of money to Sean and Mane in order for them to leave Ireland
for America. Because of this Patrick and Marie could begin a new life.
Another example is, when Mother O’Dougherty distributes the food and
money donated by the soldiers to the children. Peter O’Connor who takes
care of Mary, an abandoned child is another example of this good deed.
 Courage and determination Patrick and Marie are examples of
two people who are courageous and determined. They are determined to
leave their homeland, Ireland to begin a new life in a foreign land. In the
 end, after enduring all the hardship, they are able to have a comfortable
life in America. They would not have succeeded in their life, if they do not
have the courage to leave their familiar homeland for a new life in new
place.
 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 through 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.
Moral values
a. Determination and hard work:
People of Ireland coped with the potato blight even though many lost their land
and homes. Landlords who had no sense of compassion were cruel to them. Yet,
many of them were determined to break out of poverty. Patrick and Marie
travelled to Cork with the hope of leaving their homeland for the New World.
Sean was positive of getting the fare for them. He was sure they would have a
better life in the New World. They boarded the ship with optimism. They
overcame a lot of obstacles, had to make many scarifies and work really hard to
survive. Eventually they became ranchers in America.
Lessons to be learnt from this:
In order to achieve success, we have to believe in our abilities and be
determined to succeed. We must strive hard in anything we do. We also need to
have the right attitude if we want to succeed in anything.
b. Humility and compassion:
Upon succeeding in life, Patrick and Marie kept their values of humility. They
always welcome a hungry person to their home ensuring that they do not leave
hungry. They did not express any pride and this kept them humble at heart. They
are ever ready to support people in need. As compared to Lord Egham, who is
rich and powerful, Lord Egham thinks highly of himself and has a high degree of
pride. Another contrast to them is Mr. Graystone. He mistreats the villagers and
has no sense of compassion or humility.
The compassion that the Irish have is exemplary. No matter in what situation
they are, they will still help another person in need. The sacrifice that they make
is touching at heart. Old mother, O’Daugherty took her bread offered to her and
shared it among the hungry children of the village. Peter adopted Mary and
purchased bread for Patrick who offered some of his bread to Marie. They are so
kind-hearted. It brings joy to the heart to witness how these poor people help
each other despite having nothing much themselves.

• Point of view
The story is told in the third person point of view where the author is all-knowing.
Themes
 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.
 Generosity/Kindness One of the moral values found in the
novel ‘Potato People’ is generosity. This is shown in the friendship
between Patrick Flynn and Sean. In the last few chapters, Sean willingly
gives a sum of money to Sean and Mane in order for them to leave Ireland
for America. Because of this Patrick and Marie could begin a new life.
Another example is, when Mother O’Dougherty distributes the food and
money donated by the soldiers to the children. Peter O’Connor who takes
care of Mary, an abandoned child is another example of this good deed.
 Courage and determination Patrick and Marie are examples of
two people who are courageous and determined. They are determined to
 leave their homeland, Ireland to begin a new life in a foreign land. In the
end, after enduring all the hardship, they are able to have a comfortable
life in America. They would not have succeeded in their life, if they do not
have the courage to leave their familiar homeland for a new life in new
place.
 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 through 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.
Moral values
a. Determination and hard work:
People of Ireland coped with the potato blight even though many lost their land
and homes. Landlords who had no sense of compassion were cruel to them. Yet,
many of them were determined to break out of poverty. Patrick and Marie
travelled to Cork with the hope of leaving their homeland for the New World.
Sean was positive of getting the fare for them. He was sure they would have a
better life in the New World. They boarded the ship with optimism. They
overcame a lot of obstacles, had to make many scarifies and work really hard to
survive. Eventually they became ranchers in America.
Lessons to be learnt from this:
In order to achieve success, we have to believe in our abilities and be
determined to succeed. We must strive hard in anything we do. We also need to
have the right attitude if we want to succeed in anything.
b. Humility and compassion:
Upon succeeding in life, Patrick and Marie kept their values of humility. They
always welcome a hungry person to their home ensuring that they do not leave
hungry. They did not express any pride and this kept them humble at heart. They
are ever ready to support people in need. As compared to Lord Egham, who is
rich and powerful, Lord Egham thinks highly of himself and has a high degree of
pride. Another contrast to them is Mr. Graystone. He mistreats the villagers and
has no sense of compassion or humility.
The compassion that the Irish have is exemplary. No matter in what situation
they are, they will still help another person in need. The sacrifice that they make
is touching at heart. Old mother, O’Daugherty took her bread offered to her and
shared it among the hungry children of the village. Peter adopted Mary and
purchased bread for Patrick who offered some of his bread to Marie. They are so
kind-hearted. It brings joy to the heart to witness how these poor people help
each other despite having nothing much themselves.

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