I have been studying the poem 'Mid Term Break' by Seumas Heaney. I have been asked to write an essay about the techniques which Heaney uses to make this poem so moving.

... In class recently, I have been studying the poem 'Mid Term Break' by Seumas Heaney. I have been asked to write an essay about the techniques which Heaney uses to make this poem so moving. The title of the poem is deliberately deceptive because the phrase 'Mid Term Break' suggests a term-time holiday, which is normally a happy occasion. In reality, the meaning of the title is considerably less cheerful as, later in the poem, we learn that Heaney's younger brother has died. Therefore, the word 'break' in the title refers to a break in the family. In the first stanza, we are immediately aware that there is tragedy underlying the poem. The phrase "Counting bells knelling classes to a close" signifies that there has perhaps been a death; bells 'knelling' are often linked to funeral processions. Heaney has also used alliteration in this line, which helps us to stir up some

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