PRE-READING 1. Discuss some of the ways we commemorate the dead.
2. There are many statues, sculptures and memorials in Ireland that commemorate them as you can.
3. Are there ever any issues with such memorials (the public feel that they do not represent the person properly, vandalism, etc.)?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. Why do you think Kavanagh includes the inscription on the seat by the canal in his sonnet? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
2. There are many examples of sensuous language in this poem. Choose three and explain why these three examples appeal to you.
3. Are you surprised that the area around the Grand Canal in Dublin (a busy area in the centre of Dublin City) was so quiet in mid-July? Explain why you think this might have been the case.
4. Why does the speaker imagine that the swan is apologising , in your opinion? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
5. What kind of ‘mythologies’ could the barge bring from Athy, in your opinion? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
6. Why, in your opinion, does the speaker wish to be commemorated in this way?
7. your answer.
8. Compare and contrast this poem with ‘Canal Bank Walk’ under the headings of theme, tone, form and imagery.
CREATING
1. open letter to a national newspaper informing them how you would like to be commemorated.
2. Write a blog post celebrating the restorative powers of nature. Include examples of when nature has comforted and inspired yo u.
3. ‘An A –Z of Patrick Kavanagh.’ Write a radio talk which you tell them all that they need to know about Patrick Kavanagh.