The 'scalpeen' in which this destitute man cowers is a makeshift refuge from a former home that has been rendered inhabitable. The roof has been destroyed but the man has tried to salvage some shelter using the existing walls. Even this form of refuge was insecure and he is afraid of being hunted down and evicted once more. This was common in Ireland during the years of the potato famine and the evictions in the middle of the 19th century.