The Wren, the Wren

This chapter takes place during Phil’s childhood. Phil grows up in a small cabin near Tullamore, a quiet pastoral location, with six siblings. When he is nine, he sneaks out at night to look for a being called the fairy man. He makes a wish to walk Hanorah Casey home from school and have her accept a flower from him. Phil sees movement in the grass and hears laughter in his ear. He doesn’t remember how he gets home.

Phil begins and continues to visit Father Madden to confess his sins, such as kicking his brother, Francis. Sensing his precocity, Father Madden influences him toward the priesthood and makes him write reports on every book he reads. Phil’s family soon receives more blessings, such as his mother getting permanent work as a teacher and the family moving into a better house.

Two of Phil’s siblings leave home, including Barry. Phil’s father, Damien, is so hurt by Barry’s departure that he never speaks of him again. Francis is removed from school to do farm work. He continues to bully Phil, which makes Phil spend more time away from home in nature.

Phil writes his first poems of unrequited love for Hanorah. He starts reading books to catch her eye.