The Untilled Field

The stories are set in rural Ireland and they focus on the lives of the Irish peasantry. Moore's stories are realistic and often bleak but they are also full of compassion and humor.One of the most famous stories in the collection is The Wild Goose. In this story a young woman named Eilis Dillon is torn between her love for her fiancé Brian Connor and her desire to emigrate to America. Eilis is eventually persuaded by her brother to emigrate and she leaves Brian behind.Another memorable story in the collection is In the Clay. In this story a young man named Michael Coyne is forced to work in the clay pits after his father's death. Michael is a hard worker but the work is dangerous and exhausting. He eventually contracts a lung disease and dies.The Untilled Field is a powerful and moving collection of stories that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Irish peasantry in the early 20th century. Moore's stories are beautifully written and full of insights into the human condition.The stories in the collection are also notable for their social commentary. Moore was critical of the Catholic Church and the British government and his stories often reflect his views. For example in the story The Wild Goose Moore criticizes the Catholic Church for its role in encouraging Irish people to emigrate. In the story In the Clay Moore criticizes the British government for its exploitation of Irish workers.