Essay Outline

Process Essay Outline

 In the poem "Digging" Heaney uses symbolism to show how the narrator is different from his father. The narrator starts the story by admiring his father and grandfather’s passion in digging the land. As the poem goes on the narrator tells us how he has chosen to use a pen as a tool, unlike the spade his father digs with. The narrator's use of symbols shows us that although we should be proud of our heritage, we should evaluate our traits and follow our own interests

The narrator fondly recalls his father and grandfather’s accomplishments as farmers.

a.     “By God, the man could handle a spade. Just like his old man.”

b.     “My grandfather cut more turf in a day Than any other man on Toner’s bog.”

2.     As much as the narrator admires his father and grandfather, he recognizes that digging is not for him.

a.     “But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.”

b.     “The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.”

3.     The narrator has decided to “dig” in his own unique way.

a.     “Between my finger and my thumb. The squat pen rests. I’ll dig with it.”

Seamus Heaney uses symbols in his poem to show us the narrator’s appreciation of his family tradition, yet decides to pursue his own passion.  He decides he doesn’t want to dig, but instead wants to write. The way the narrator uses symbols shows us that appreciating the work of those that can before you is perfectly fine, we should follow a path that inspires us.