UNIT 6 RELATIONSHIPS: A THEMATIC APPROACH Understand
1. (a) How does the pen rest between Heaney’s fi nger and thumb in the second line? (b) What poetic device is Heaney using in this line?
2. What is Heaney’s father digging at the beginning of the poem?
3. Heaney reflects on the image of his father and grandfather digging. What sounds does he recall?
4. What does Heaney remember bringing to his grandfather? Explore
3 3 3 3
1. How are Heaney’s father and grandfather portrayed? 2. In what way is Heaney different to these two men? 3. What image stands out most to you in the poem? Explain your choice.
4. Aside from relationships, what other themes do you think this poem deals with?
5. What does the closing line ‘I’ll dig with it’ suggest?
6. The poem suggests that digging can be similar to writing. With that concept in mind, what do you think Heaney meant by the line ‘going down and down / For the good turf’?
Create
Write a paragraph about a memory you have of a parent or grandparent carrying out an activity, hobby or job.
