60 pages • 2 hours read
Richard LlewellynHow Green Was My Valley
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Authorial Context: Richard Llewellyn and Wales
Richard Llewellyn, born Richard Dafydd Vivian Llewellyn Lloyd, was an English writer who was most famous for his novel, How Green Was My Valley. He was born on December 8, 1906, in Hendon, Middlesex, England, to Welsh parents. Despite being born in England, Llewellyn’s heritage was deeply rooted in Wales, as his family hailed from the mining communities of the South Wales Valleys, the same valleys which feature in How Green Was My Valley. Llewellyn’s early years were marked by family struggles and financial hardships. After his parents separated, he spent much of his childhood with his maternal grandparents in Wales. The time he spent there would shape his understanding of Welsh culture, tradition, and the lives of the working-class people that would later feature prominently in his literary works.
How Green Was My Valley was an instant success, earning Llewellyn international recognition and prestigious awards, including the National Book Award in the United States. The novel portrays the lives of a mining family in a Welsh village, exploring themes of nostalgia, community, labor struggles, and the passage of time. The novel’s depiction of a vanishing way of life resonated with readers and it quickly gained critical acclaim. The novel’s success was further solidified by John Ford’s film adaptation in 1941, which won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Despite Llewellyn’s deep connection to Wales and his portrayal of Welsh life, a controversy surrounding his nationality emerged and persisted throughout his life. While Llewellyn embraced his Welsh heritage and drew extensively from it for his writing, he was often described as an Englishman due to the fact that he was born in England. This controversy over Llewellyn’s nationality had complex origins. Some critics argued that his English birth disqualified him from authentically representing Welsh life and culture, while others believed that his works effectively captured the essence of Wales. Llewellyn himself was a polarizing figure in this debate, often fluctuating between identifying as Welsh and English. Nevertheless, the controversy over his nationality persisted, creating a backdrop against which his literary achievements were discussed.
Following the success of How Green Was My Valley, Llewellyn continued to write novels, short stories, and plays, often drawing inspiration from his Welsh upbringing and experiences. Some of his other notable works include None But the Lonely Heart (1943), A Few Flowers for Shiner (1950), and Down Where the Moon Is Small (1966). However, none achieved the same level of acclaim as his debut novel. As Llewellyn’s literary career progressed, his personal life faced challenges, including struggles with alcoholism and financial difficulties. He lived in various countries, including the United States, England, and Italy. Richard Llewellyn died on November 30, 1983. The enduring debate over his nationality underscores the intricate relationship between personal identity and creative expression, a theme that Llewellyn himself wove into his narratives.
Historical Context: A History of Mining in Wales
Mining in Wales has ancient origins, dating back to prehistoric times when early communities extracted flint, copper, and other minerals for tools and ornaments. During the Roman period, Wales became known for its copper and gold deposits, with the Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Pumsaint being one of the most well-known examples. The Romans introduced advanced mining techniques, such as the use of water wheels and aqueducts, leaving behind a legacy of mining expertise. In the medieval period, mining activities continued to evolve, with lead and silver extraction becoming prominent. Mines such as the Parys Mountain in Anglesey played a significant role in supplying these valuable metals to both domestic and international markets. By the 17th century, coal mining began to gain traction, fueled by the increasing demand for fuel in the emerging industrial revolution.
The 18th century marked a turning point for the mining industry in Wales, as the Industrial Revolution spurred unprecedented growth. The discovery of large coal deposits, particularly in the South Wales Valleys, transformed the region into a powerhouse of energy production. The invention of the steam engine further revolutionized mining operations, allowing for deeper and more efficient extraction of coal. Wales quickly became a global leader in coal production, exporting coal to various parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas. The expansion of railways and ports facilitated the transportation of coal from mines to markets, cementing Wales’s role as an industrial hub. The lives of many Welsh people became intertwined with the mining industry, creating a unique cultural identity centered around the “miner’s way of life.”
However, this period of prosperity came with its share of challenges. Working conditions in the mines were often harsh, with long hours, dangerous environments, and inadequate safety measures. The emergence of labor unions, such as the South Wales Miners’ Federation, was a response to these issues, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights. How Green Was My Valley is set in these same valleys during the Victorian era, though at a point when the productivity of the Welsh mines was beginning to be questioned and unions were forming to stand up for the miners’ rights.
The 20th century brought about significant changes to the mining industry in Wales. World War I and World War II led to disruptions in mining operations, as resources were redirected to support the war efforts. After World War II, a gradual decline in the coal industry began, driven by competition from other energy sources and a shift in global economic dynamics. The mid-20th century witnessed the nationalization of the coal industry in the United Kingdom, resulting in the creation of the National Coal Board. While this provided some stability, the industry continued to face challenges, including technological obsolescence, environmental concerns, and economic restructuring. The Aberfan disaster of 1966 occurred when colliery spoil tip slid down a hill after heavy rain and killed 116 children and 28 adults.
The closures of many mines led to economic hardships in mining communities, with unemployment and social issues becoming more prevalent, coming to a peak during the miners’ strikes of the 1980s and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s concerted efforts to undermine the influence of the unions, ultimately scuttling the Welsh coal industry and leaving many mining towns irrecoverably devastated.
Socio-Historical Context: Welsh-Anglo Relations in the 19th Century
The 19th century witnessed a complex interplay of Welsh-English relationships that were shaped by historical, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors. This era was marked by significant shifts in industrialization, political reform, and the quest for national identity.
Throughout the 19th century, linguistic and cultural differences between the Welsh and English populations played a prominent role in shaping their relationships. The majority of the Welsh population spoke Welsh, a Celtic language, which was deeply tied to their identity and heritage. However, the English language was gaining prominence as the language of administration, commerce, and education. The imposition of the English language in various aspects of public life raised concerns among the Welsh about the erosion of their cultural identity. Efforts to preserve the Welsh language and promote cultural practices gained momentum during this century. Organizations like the Cymreigyddion Society and the eisteddfod movement were established to celebrate Welsh literature, music, and arts, providing a platform for the Welsh people to assert their distinctiveness, while the speaking of Welsh was actively discouraged in state schools and corporal punishment in the form of the Welsh Not was employed to this end.
The 19th century marked a period of rapid industrialization in both Wales and England. Industries such as coal mining, iron and steel production, and textiles flourished, attracting a diverse workforce to urban centers. The influx of English workers into Welsh industrial areas led to an increased mingling of cultures, as people from different backgrounds found themselves living and working side by side. This socioeconomic interaction often fostered both cooperation and competition. While collaboration between Welsh and English workers was essential for the success of industries, it also sometimes bred tensions. Welsh workers were concerned about unfair labor practices and the exploitation of their labor by English factory owners. Labor movements and trade unions emerged to advocate for workers’ rights, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries to fight for better working conditions and fair wages.
The Reform Acts of 1832, 1867, and 1884 aimed to expand the electorate and enhance democratic representation. These reforms brought about greater political participation for the working classes, including both Welsh and English communities. The quest for national identity and political autonomy was a recurring theme in Wales during this period. Welsh nationalism gained momentum, driven by a desire to assert Welsh cultural distinctiveness and demand political recognition. Figures like Owain Glyndŵr from Welsh history were celebrated, and there were efforts to promote the use of the Welsh language in public life. The establishment of the University of Wales in 1893 also marked a step toward preserving Welsh culture and language through education. Religion was another significant factor in Welsh-English relationships in the 19th century. Wales had a rich religious landscape, with a dominant Nonconformist tradition that emphasized personal piety and community involvement. The Anglican Church, in contrast, was often associated with English influence. The Disestablishment of the Church in Wales in 1914, although occurring slightly outside the 19th century timeframe, reflected the culmination of efforts to disentangle the Welsh religious landscape from English control, giving the Welsh people greater agency in their religious affairs. How Green Was My Valley explores the growing tensions between Welsh miners and English mine owners against the backdrop of Victorian Britain, with particular reference to the piety of the Welsh mining community and the church as a center of the village spirit.
