MOLLY MALONE IS ALMOST ALONE TODAY
The Statue and its Popularity
The bronze statue of Molly Malone, a buxom fishwife pushing a cart, currently resides on Suffolk Street, having been moved from its original location on Grafton Street in 2014. It was created by sculptor Jeanne Rynhart and unveiled during the Dublin Millennium celebrations in 1988. It's undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction, frequently photographed and serving as a recognisable symbol of Dublin. The statue depicts a character from a famous Irish song, though that character's historical existence is debated.
The Fiction: The Song and the Legend
The ballad "Molly Malone," also known as "Cockles and Mussels," tells the tale of a beautiful fishmonger who plied her trade through the streets of Dublin, crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!" The song ends tragically with Molly dying of a fever. It's a catchy tune, an unofficial anthem of Dublin, and often sung with gusto by locals and tourists alike. The song's origin is uncertain, but it was published in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1876 and in London in 1884, suggesting it was a popular music hall song in the late 19th Century.
This is where the fiction comes in. There is no historical evidence to suggest that a real Molly Malone, matching the song's description, ever existed. No records confirm her birth, life, or death. The song itself presents her as a somewhat mythical figure, a representation of Dublin's working class. Some theories suggest the song might be based on multiple women or a composite character.
The Reality: A Symbol, Not a Historical Figure
The reality is that Molly Malone is a fictional character popularised by a song. The statue is a tribute to this fictional persona and the cultural impact of the ballad. It represents a romanticised image of Dublin's past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and local identity.
Regarding the statue's treatment, it's true that the bronze breasts of the statue are noticeably shinier than the rest of the sculpture. This is due to the frequent touching by tourists, who often pose for photos with their hands on her chest. While some find this disrespectful, viewing it as a form of objectification, others see it as a harmless, even humorous, tradition. The wear on the statue certainly demonstrates its popularity, if nothing else. It doesn't bother most Dubliners, and it's a common sight for statues of this nature worldwide.
The "Disrespect" Debate
The debate about whether touching the statue's breasts is disrespectful is subjective. There's no denying it leads to wear and tear, potentially accelerating the need for restoration. However, it's also a form of interaction that many find playful and harmless. The statue, after all, is in a public space and intended to be enjoyed. The city has not taken any steps to discourage the touching.
The bronze statue of Molly Malone, a buxom fishwife pushing a cart, currently resides on Suffolk Street, having been moved from its original location on Grafton Street in 2014. It was created by sculptor Jeanne Rynhart and unveiled during the Dublin Millennium celebrations in 1988. It's undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction, frequently photographed and serving as a recognisable symbol of Dublin. The statue depicts a character from a famous Irish song, though that character's historical existence is debated.
The Fiction: The Song and the Legend
The ballad "Molly Malone," also known as "Cockles and Mussels," tells the tale of a beautiful fishmonger who plied her trade through the streets of Dublin, crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!" The song ends tragically with Molly dying of a fever. It's a catchy tune, an unofficial anthem of Dublin, and often sung with gusto by locals and tourists alike. The song's origin is uncertain, but it was published in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1876 and in London in 1884, suggesting it was a popular music hall song in the late 19th Century.
This is where the fiction comes in. There is no historical evidence to suggest that a real Molly Malone, matching the song's description, ever existed. No records confirm her birth, life, or death. The song itself presents her as a somewhat mythical figure, a representation of Dublin's working class. Some theories suggest the song might be based on multiple women or a composite character.
The Reality: A Symbol, Not a Historical Figure
The reality is that Molly Malone is a fictional character popularised by a song. The statue is a tribute to this fictional persona and the cultural impact of the ballad. It represents a romanticised image of Dublin's past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and local identity.
Regarding the statue's treatment, it's true that the bronze breasts of the statue are noticeably shinier than the rest of the sculpture. This is due to the frequent touching by tourists, who often pose for photos with their hands on her chest. While some find this disrespectful, viewing it as a form of objectification, others see it as a harmless, even humorous, tradition. The wear on the statue certainly demonstrates its popularity, if nothing else. It doesn't bother most Dubliners, and it's a common sight for statues of this nature worldwide.
The "Disrespect" Debate
The debate about whether touching the statue's breasts is disrespectful is subjective. There's no denying it leads to wear and tear, potentially accelerating the need for restoration. However, it's also a form of interaction that many find playful and harmless. The statue, after all, is in a public space and intended to be enjoyed. The city has not taken any steps to discourage the touching.
MOLLY MALONE IS ALMOST ALONE TODAY