The thesis tells the story of a young woman named Molly Malone, who is said to have lived in the seventeenth century. In the eyes of people, she presents herself as the heroine of the working class and thus they proudly identify themselves. The story was presented in the song »Cockles and Mussels«, known to both the Irish and Irish by heart. The song is announced at major sports events as an anthem, and it is possible to hear it a couple of times every day in Irish pubs. The song is uniquely sung in versions by various musicians – the text is preserved in the same way as it was written by the Scottish poet James Yorkston in 1884. The importance of the heroine is especially highlighted in Dublin city centre as a somewhat daringly designed monument. It has received many comments, predation and popularity among both locals and foreigners. Popularity and national identity also reach across the sea. When leaving the island and settling in places around the world, the Irish people present themselves with their heroine in the opening of Irish oubs, restaurants, etc. The commercialization of identity is especially visible in tourist souvenir shops. Through Molly's story, the life and financial hardships of that time are presented. As a shellfish saleswoman, she also offered her body at night as a prostitute. The history of the city and life in the Victorian times of Dublin is presented to facilitate the explanation of the young woman's actions. The important question is how could the story or a song about a young woman, for whom there is no evidence that she really existed, become so important to the whole nation.
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