Seamus Heaney: Analysis of Funeral Rites, The Underground, Punishment

This essay delves into Seamus Heaney's exploration of belonging and estrangement through the analysis of three key poems: "Funeral Rites," "The Underground," and "Punishment." The essay examines how "Funeral Rites" reflects the poet's complex relationship with his community, highlighting the tension between a desire to belong and a sense of alienation. The analysis of "The Underground" focuses on the duality of the poet's nature, showcasing his longing for connection and his simultaneous desire to distance himself from the past. Finally, the essay explores "Punishment," examining the poet's role as an observer and his conflicting emotions regarding the community's actions. The analysis incorporates references to Heaney's works and explores the symbolic meanings within the poems, offering insights into the poet's perspective on community, identity, and the Irish Troubles. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the themes and techniques employed by Seamus Heaney in these selected poems.

Running head: SEAMUS HEANEY- ENGLISH LITERATURE
Seamus Heaney- English Literature
Name of the Student-
Name of the University-
Author note-

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SEAMUS HEANEY- ENGLISH LITERATURE
In “Funeral Rites”, the conflict between belonging and estrangement is seen in the
manner in which the poet describes the process of funeral that is related to the Irish Past and Irish
troubles (Heaney 1992). The act of mourning acts as a metaphor for the conglomeration of the
community at a place and common space. The wish to be part of the community is seen where
Heaney tries to summon the community for funeral rites. The poem also captures the sense of
disconnection from the community. It is seen that the imagery of the tumultuous past is reflective
of the desire of the poet to estrange himself from the community.
In “The Underground”, Heaney presents a dramatization of his honeymoon episode. The
will to belong to the community is seen in the manner in which the poet strives to woo his
beloved in the honeymoon episode (Heaney 1995). Whereas, the will to separate from the
community and past is seen in the very last line where the poet proclaims about not going back to
the past. The poem captures the duality vested in the temperament of Heaney.
In “Punishment”, the author presents the duality in the sections where he expresses his
passive nature of an observer of the dead body of the girl (Heaney 1992). Discharging the role of
a passive observer, the poet notes about his inability to stop the menace. This is reflective of the
wish to estrange from the community that has killed an innocent girl. However, the wish to be
rooted in the community is expressed in the desire to beautify the dead body in a metaphorical
and imaginative manner.

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SEAMUS HEANEY- ENGLISH LITERATURE
References
Heaney, S. (1995). Station Island. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.
Heaney, S. (1992). North. London: Faber and Faber.