Poetry: Death Of A Naturalist

Question 1

Whys: 1

Answer 1

Heaney explores the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood, where the loss of
childhood innocence is often tinged with a sense of sadness and loss.

Question 2

Whys: 2

Answer 2

Heaney exposes how a tragic experience, like the sudden death of his younger brother
Christopher in a road traffic accident, can mar childhood memories and completely change
your outlook on life.

Question 3

Which themes are present in this poem?

Answer 3

Passage of time
Change and transformation
Negative emotions
Nature
Sense of place

Question 4

Which poems link to this poem?

Answer 4

Afternoons
Excerpt from the prelude
As imperceptibly as grief
To autumn