Brendan Behan, Irish rebel, poet, and playwright (d. 1964)

Brendan Behan: A Polymath of Irish Letters and Republican Activism

Brendan Francis Aidan Behan, christened Francis Behan and pronounced BEE-ən (Irish: Breandán Ó Beacháin), was a truly singular figure in 20th-century Irish culture. Born on 9 February 1923 and passing away on 20 March 1964, Behan was a prolific and multifaceted artist who excelled as a poet, short story writer, novelist, and playwright. Uniquely, he composed his works in both English and the Irish language, a testament to his deep linguistic and cultural immersion. His profound impact on literature was recognized by Irish Central, which acclaimed him as one of the greatest Irish writers of all time, placing him among titans like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.

Early Life, Republican Roots, and Self-Education

Behan's upbringing in Dublin was inextricably linked to Irish republicanism. Born into a staunchly nationalist family, his uncle Peadar Kearney was a notable republican and the author of "The Soldier's Song" (Amhrán na bhFiann), Ireland's national anthem. His mother, Kathleen Behan, was also a committed republican, ensuring that the household vibrated with discussions of Irish history, politics, and culture. From an early age, Behan was immersed in a rich tapestry of literature and patriotic ballads, which undoubtedly influenced his distinctive voice and storytelling ability.

His republican convictions translated into direct action early in life. At the tender age of fourteen, Behan joined Fianna Éireann, the youth wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). This was not a casual affiliation; it initiated him into the disciplined and ideologically charged environment that would profoundly shape his formative years. By sixteen, he formally joined the IRA, a commitment that led to repeated imprisonment. He served time in a borstal youth prison in the United Kingdom, specifically Hollesley Bay, following an attempt to shoot two detectives in Liverpool. He also endured periods of incarceration in Ireland, notably in Mountjoy Prison and Arbour Hill, for various republican activities, including an attempted ambush.

Despite the harshness of prison life, these periods proved surprisingly formative for Behan's intellectual development. It was during his incarceration that he dedicated himself to rigorous self-study, notably mastering the Irish language, becoming a fluent speaker. This linguistic proficiency was pivotal, enabling him to later write critically acclaimed works in both of Ireland's official languages.

In 1946, Behan was released from prison as part of a general amnesty granted by the Fianna Fáil government, a significant political gesture aimed at reconciliation. Post-release, his life became a peripatetic journey, moving between homes in Dublin, the scenic County Kerry, and the rugged Connemara region. He also spent a formative period residing in Paris, immersing himself in the bohemian literary scene and further honing his craft.

Literary Breakthroughs and International Acclaim

The mid-1950s marked Behan's explosive emergence onto the international literary stage. His first play, The Quare Fellow, premiered in Dublin in 1954 to considerable acclaim. This powerful drama, set in a prison and exploring themes of capital punishment and the dehumanizing effects of incarceration, resonated deeply with audiences. Its success was amplified by a pivotal 1956 production at Joan Littlewood's renowned Theatre Workshop in Stratford, London. Littlewood, a visionary director known for her experimental and socially conscious theatre, brought a raw energy to Behan's work, catapulting him to wider recognition.

Behan's newfound celebrity was further cemented by a now-legendary and notoriously boisterous interview on BBC television with the journalist Malcolm Muggeridge. His candid, often inebriated, and utterly unconventional performance shocked and captivated viewers, solidifying his public persona as the quintessential, larger-than-life Irish writer. While controversial, this appearance undeniably broadened his appeal beyond traditional literary circles.

In 1958, Behan showcased his bilingual prowess with the debut of his play in the Irish language, An Giall (The Hostage), at Dublin's Damer Theatre. Its success led to Behan's own English-language adaptation, The Hostage, which achieved immense international acclaim. This play, a darkly comedic and often chaotic exploration of political conflict and human resilience, further cemented his reputation as a master dramatist.

The same year saw the publication of his autobiographical novel, Borstal Boy. This raw and unvarnished account of his experiences as a teenage republican internee in British youth prisons became a worldwide best-seller. Its unflinching honesty about institutional life, political idealism, and the rites of passage within a harsh environment resonated with readers globally, establishing it as a significant work of modern Irish literature and a powerful coming-of-age narrative.

Peak of Fame and Tragic Decline

By the early 1960s, Brendan Behan reached the zenith of his fame. He became a recognizable cultural icon, particularly frequenting New York City, where he famously declared, "To America, my new found land: The man that hates you hates the human race." This quote encapsulated his complex relationship with both the opportunities and pressures that international stardom brought.

His charismatic personality and literary reputation drew him into an eclectic social circle, leading to interactions with celebrated figures such as comedian Harpo Marx and playwright Arthur Miller. Intriguingly, a young Bob Dylan, then just emerging, was known to follow Behan, hinting at the Irish writer's influence even on the nascent folk music scene.

However, the intense spotlight of fame, coupled with his pre-existing struggles, proved to be a double-edged sword. Despite his outward success, his health began a tragic and irreversible decline. His severe diabetes was exacerbated by chronic alcoholism, a battle he fought publicly and privately. This deterioration significantly impacted his later work; his subsequent books, such as Brendan Behan's New York and Confessions of an Irish Rebel, received considerably less critical praise, often viewed as fragmented or undercooked compared to his earlier masterpieces.

Despite efforts to combat his addictions, Behan's attempts at sobriety were often short-lived. He briefly managed a period of abstinence while staying at the iconic Chelsea Hotel in New York. In 1961, in a concerted effort for recovery, he was admitted to Sunnyside Private Hospital in Toronto, a specialized institution for the treatment of alcoholism. Tragically, these efforts ultimately proved futile as he relapsed back into active alcoholism. Brendan Behan passed away prematurely on 20 March 1964, at the age of 41, leaving behind a formidable literary legacy forged from a life lived intensely and often controversially.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brendan Behan

Who was Brendan Behan?

Brendan Behan was a celebrated Irish writer from Dublin, known for his work as a poet, short story writer, novelist, and playwright. He wrote in both English and Irish, and was also a committed Irish Republican activist.

What are Brendan Behan's most famous works?

His most renowned works include the plays The Quare Fellow and The Hostage (an English adaptation of his Irish-language play An Giall), and his autobiographical novel Borstal Boy.

What was Brendan Behan's connection to the Irish Republican Army (IRA)?

Behan joined the IRA's youth wing, Fianna Éireann, at age fourteen, and the IRA itself at sixteen. His republican activities led to several periods of imprisonment in both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

How did prison impact Brendan Behan's life and writing?

Despite the hardships, his time in prison was transformative. He used these periods to educate himself, most notably becoming fluent in the Irish language, which significantly influenced his bilingual literary output. His experiences also provided direct material for works like Borstal Boy.

What contributed to Brendan Behan's early death?

Behan suffered from severe diabetes, a condition tragically exacerbated by chronic alcoholism. These health issues led to a significant decline in his later years and ultimately contributed to his premature death at age 41.