A symbol is something that represents another thing. You might recognise some of these symbols of Ireland:
When someone sees these images, they may automatically think of Ireland. In poetry, writers use symbols to enhance their meaning.
Work in groups to fi nd the symbols Heaney uses in ‘Mid-Term Break’. Discuss your choices. What do these words or images symbolise? Why are they important?
Understand
1. Why is the speaker taken home from school unexpectedly? 2. Describe the actions of (a) the father, (b) the mother and (c) the baby in the poem. 3. How does the speaker feel in the third stanza? Why does he feel this way? 4. How long has it been since the speaker last saw his brother? 5. What do the following symbols represent?
Explore 3
1. In the fi rst stanza the speaker suggests that tragedy will follow. What are the signs that something bad has happened at the start of the poem?
2. Do you think the title ‘Mid-Term Break’ is an unusual one for a poem like this? Explain your answer.
