Process Essay

In the short story "Digging" Heaney uses symbolism to show how the narrator is different from his father. The narrator starts the story by describing a scene where he is writing at his desk, looking out to see his father digging the land outside. In this scene, the symbolism lies in the way the narrator is separate from his father, observing him instead of being with him; and choosing to use a pen as a tool, unlike the spade his father digs with.The narrator's use of symbols shows us how we shouldn't be afraid to stray from the usual path and follow our own interests.