Summer Of 1969

In the poem “Summer of 1969,” Seamus Heaney diligently juxtaposes a rebellion occurring in 1969 in Northern Ireland and his experiences traveling in Madrid during the same summer. Heaney uses metaphors weather, smell, sight, and historical references to help characterize the Northern Ireland rebellion. Historical references and allusions are very significant in the poem and are used throughout the entire poem. In Northern Ireland was consumed with conflict between Irish Catholic Nationalists and the British Protestant majority during the summer of 1969. British troops were introduced to the area and tensions increased. Seamus Heaney was studying abroad in Spain and is far removed from the conflicts in his homeland. Heaney seems to feel …show more content…
Heaney also alludes to Duel with Cudgels which he compares to "that holmgang" (a traditional duel to the death) (30). Heaney is using these paintings to relate to the current situation in Ireland. Ireland is in the midst of a civil war and members of the same country are killing each other (similarly to Saturn killing his child). Heaney uses cacophonous language to describe these two paintings in order to display the dangers, severity, and problems in Irelands current situation and suffering at the hands of your fellow people.

Heaney experiences guilt for not participating in and helping the rebellions occurring in Ireland while simultaneously questioning the worth and nature of these rebellions. Heaney seems to address civil war with an ominous tone and relates the Ireland Civil War to dark paintings and events in Spain’s history. Heaney successfully juxtaposes his current experiences in Spain with what is occurring in