Christy Moran’s Medal Symbol Analysis

Christy Moran’s medal represents the idea that the Irish soldiers in the British Army are inextricably bound to both Ireland and England. Christy earns his medal for his brave fighting during the capture of Wytschaete in June 1917. The medal signifies the British Army’s recognition of his “valour in the field.” More importantly, the medal bears the images of a small harp and crown. The harp is a traditional symbol of Ireland, and the crown represents the British Empire. Therefore, the medal isn’t just a token of a soldier’s courage. It’s also an overt symbol of Christy’s connection to both Ireland and England, as well as the double allegiance he feels he must uphold—to his homeland and to the British crown.

Later, Christy gives his medal to Willie. The kind gesture highlights the two men’s close friendship, but it also suggests that Willie is equally bound to Ireland and England as an Irishman who serves in the British Army. Willie’s connection to both Ireland and England becomes even more tangible during a battle in early 1918. In a bombardment, as Willie carries the medal in his pocket, the heat of an explosion painfully sears the medal’s images into Willie’s skin. Afterward, Willie has a harp and crown burned onto his chest. Permanently branded by the symbols of his homeland and the empire that demands Irish loyalty, Willie is marked for the rest of his life as belonging to Ireland and England. Just as he can’t rid himself of the tattoo-like icons that now sit over his heart, Willie can’t emotionally sever his ties to either Ireland or England.