"Digging" by Seamus Heaney

... "Digging" The poem "Digging" by Seamus Heaney is a very intriguing poem that carries across much meaning to the reader of the poem. The dramatic situation that is described is a son, who appears to be a writer, looking back onto his past and thinking about the work his father and grandfather did. Through the use of strong language and many poetic devices, Seamus Heaney has given a whole new meaning to the idea of 'digging'. Heaney uses precise words and a very effective style to portray the idea of a son looking back on the work of his ancestors and realizing just how he fits into his family's history and tradition. There are basically two ideas upon how the character fits into his family tradition. The character has broken away from the farming custom of his family, but yet he still maintains the idea of creating and using

want to read more? →