Theme Of Nature In Seamus Heaney

Throughout time there have been numerous authors who have come and gone with little to no effect on society. Today, however, we remember an amazing poet named Seamus Heaney, who left a lasting impression on the hearts of many. While the presence of death and rebirth in nature has had a major influence on his work, it is also evident that typical Irish influences are present. In his poems: “Death of a Naturalist,” “Requiem for the Croppies,” “Mid-Term Break” and “Scaffolding” there is indisputable evidence supporting the recurring motif of nature. The role of nature in Heaney’s poems is greatly linked to his Celtic roots. In ancient times the Celts of Ireland were animists and believed highly in the forces of nature. To be an animist …show more content…
The narrator has an innocent curiosity when he hears the croaking of the frogs, he creeps through hedges just to catch a glimpse of the frogs making this unusual sound. When he breaks through and identifies what is making the sound he is repulsed by the very sight of it. Multiple times he uses language that would convey a child who is fearful of what he is looking at. There is also an implication that the young narrator believes the frogs are actually forming an army with the sole intent of attacking him. He uses phrases such as “gross bellied frogs were cocked” and “poised like mud grenades” that implicate different military techniques. The narrator relates the frogs to the action of cocking back a gun and preparing it to fire or grenades ready to be thrown. These specific phrases illustrate the fear the frogs are beginning to instill upon the young boy. He finds the slapping of the frogs to even be obscene threats; their actions begin to offend him as much as they repulse him. He then goes to call the frogs “great slime kings” which further supports the idea that he is petrified of them. He believes that they actually have an authority over him and will subject him to harm if he disobeys them, truly believing they are kings. In these few lines it demonstrates the narrator’s innocence dying; he went from being fascinated by the frogspawn to feeling threatened by the adult frogs. This severe contrast in attitude further confirms that the narrator is getting older and his child like wonder is quickly escaping him. The title “Death of a Naturalist” refers to this moment; when a child lost the sense of amazement he used to experience when observing nature. One of his later works is named “Requiem for the Croppies.” This sonnet very sharply contrasts the previous poem; this follows a soldier in a time of terrible