The Underground

Question 1

Thrilling, exciting and engaging opening to the poem. Thrust into the underground and the excitement of Heaney’s relationship with his wife

Answer 1

There we were in the vaulted tunnel running.

Question 2

Reference to Pan and Syrinx. His wife running like Syinx with him following as Pan before she could change form to evade him. Adds mystical air to poem and relationship. Simile & alliteration

Answer 2

And me, me then like a fleet god gaining

Upon you before you turned to a reed.

Question 3

Still a reference to his wife changing form as Syrinx did. This time, into an innocent flower tainted by red. Perhaps a symbol of the loss of virginity. Strong imagery

Answer 3

Or some new white flower japped with crimson

Question 4

Reference to Hansel and Gretel. Buttons of her coat falling off leaving a trail for Heaney to follow

Answer 4

The coat flapped wild and button after button

Sprang off and fell in a trail

Question 5

A mystical state between the real world and the fairytale universe Heaney has created

Answer 5

Between the Underground and the Albert Hall

Question 6

New marriage, still happy and passionate doing adventurous things together

Answer 6

Honeymooning, mooning around, late for the Proms

Question 7

Another reference to Hansel and Gretel. Heaney following the trail of buttons. Reflecting on the events. Time has passed. Perhaps relationship isn’t as it once was

Answer 7

now
I come as Hansel came on the moonlit stones
Retracing the path back, lifting the buttons

Question 8

Sudden change in tone. Not as wondrous. Dark, shadowy, fading into memory.

Answer 8

Draughty lamplit station

Question 9

Their relationship exposed to real life of marriage. Simile. Going through a rough patch, tense time.

Answer 9

After the trains have gone, the wet track

Bared and tensed as I am

Question 10

Reference to the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice died but was rescued from the Underworld by Orpheus under the condition that Orpheus did not look back to see if she was following him. Heaney comparing his relationship to that, focusing and listening for her step following. Not a conventional ending, want to know what happens next

Answer 10

all attention

For your step following and damned if I look back.