Death of a naturalist by Seamus Heany Flashcards
Who wrote This poem
Seamus Heaney
when was this published
1966
where was Heaney from?
North Ireland
what did Seamus Heaney usually write about?
childhood
nature
politics
what kind of poet was Seamus Heaney?
regional poet
also a traditionalist
Themes
nature
death
struggles of his Irish upbringing
the rural life
getting older
strong emotions
love
memory
attitudes to others
what person is this poem written in
First person Narrative- reflecting on their childhood
what does the blank verse (unrhymed) communicate
makes the poem sound more conversational
what does the lack of rhyme highlight
that change is not always predictable
how many stanzas does this poem have
2
what happens between stanza one and two
volta- change in tone
each stanza has different attitudes
summary of stanza one
slight reference to decay
childish enthusiasm
relationship with nature seem secure
summary of stanza two
change of tone
relationship with nature becomes troubled
nature is presented as unfamiliar and threatening
what does the use of sensory imagery do?
lets the reader become immersed in the poem and focuses their attention on the poem’s setting
How does Heaney uses contrast to communicate meaning?
The poem uses contrasts to show how the narrator’s views on nature have changed
what is the meaning behind the title?
Death of a naturalist isa juxtaposition in the poem’s title shows that the poem is about life and death
what happens to the poets interest in nature?
interest in living creatures comes to an end
what language does Heaney use in stanza two?
Military language
military references which creates a threatening atmosphere
innocence of the narrator has been lost they now see nature as dark and potentially harmful.
what are two moods and feelings in this poem
fascination and disgust
summary
The narrator remembers how they used to love frogspawn from a flax dam
they were enthusiastic about nature and frogspawn
This attitude changes as they grow up they now find them disgusting
what does the shift of the narrators attitude to frogspawn show
The shift in the narrators perception of nature highlights the way that people views change as they grow up.
