Short Works Essay Revision

In the poem "Digging", Seamus Heaney uses symbolism to show how the narrator has different ambitions from his father. The narrator starts the story by admiring his father and grandfather’s passion for digging. The symbols Heaney used to represent each person’s interest are the spade that is used to dig, and the pen used to write. 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.

In the poem " Digging", Seamus Heaney used a spade and a pen as symbols. Heaney used these symbols to show how the narrator has different ambitions from his father. The narrator starts the story by admiring his father and grandfather’s passion for digging. 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 recognize what we want and follow our own interests.

Analysis of the portrayals of Hamlet

In the video representations of Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3, Ophelia was shown differently each time. In the first video that I saw, Ophelia seemed slightly sassy, but it seemed that it was dawning on her that maybe having a relationship with Hamlet was not a very wise idea. As her brother beseeches her to end anything to do with Hamlet, she seems distracted. Once he continues talking however, she seems to grow more attentive and rethink her commitment to him. Towards the end, Ophelia counters her brother with an argument but still continues to listen to what he has to say. So while Ophelia does seem careless she takes into consideration her brother's words. In the second video, Ophelia appears even more distracted and naive. As her brother tries to convince her to forget about Hamlet, she continually wanders off and seems to pay him no attention. I would think Ophelia to be more like the second video portrays her. I believe she would be naive past reason and unwilling to listen to anyone telling her to discontinue her relationship with Hamlet. 

When comparing the actual ghost seen to Branagh's approach, I am first of all struck by the resemblance of this ghost scene to a scene from Harry Potter, when Harry meets Voldemort in the dark forest. In Branagh's expression, the ghost seems scary and Hamlet is downright terrified. However, when I read this scene, the ghost had a more pleading tone. In my head, the ghost was sorrowful over the evil that was done, and Hamlet was stunned by the news but resolved to do anything he can to make matters right. Although seeing a different approach was refreshing, I do not agree with it.

Hamlet

In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet (a bit obvious), comes across as mysterious and somewhat lonely. His father died a little over a month ago, and his mother is already getting married to none other than his uncle, his father's brother. His uncle is the King of Denmark, making his mother the new Queen of Denmark. Hamlet is still mourning his father's death, and resents the fact that his mom seems to have moved on so quickly, although he is not able to say anything about it. Hamlet is repeatedly told to face the death of his father and move on, being told "'Tis unmanly grief."(I.2.98)
A day before this, the guards of the castle have seen a ghost appear around midnight for 3 days in a row. An advisor to the king, named Horatio saw the ghost and has said that the ghost has the likeness of the late father of Hamlet. While no one has told this to the king or his soon to be wife, Horatio, tells Hamlet. When he hears of this, Hamlet hopes to catch sight of the ghost, saying wishfully, " I would I had been there."(I.2.25) Hamlet seems to miss his father a lot, although neither his mother or his uncle seem to share that same opinion.
To me, Hamlet seems like a kind prince who has just suffered a great loss. He sounds neutral about the loss, saying very matter-of-factly," Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief/ that can denote me truly. These indeed "seem"/ For they are actions a man might play;/ But I have that within which passes show,/ These but the trappings and the suits of the woe."(I.2.85-89). Hamlet has also shown that he is obedient, saying ,"But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue. "(164). Loyalty and sympathy have also been traits used do describe him, like when the King says,"...'tis a loving and a fair reply" (I.2.125) Overral, I think Hamlet is a innocent, sad prince who has done nothing to deserve my scorn, yet.

Symbols

9/30/13

D Block

Use of the Spade and Pen as a Symbol by Heaney in “Digging”

In the poem "Digging", Seamus Heaney uses symbolism to show how the narrator has different ambitions from his father. The narrator starts the story by admiring his father and grandfather’s passion for digging. The symbols Heaney used to represent each person’s interest are the spade that is used to dig, and the pen used to write. 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.

At the beginning of the poem, the narrator fondly recalls his father and grandfather’s accomplishments as farmers, reminiscing; “My grandfather cut more turf in a day/ than any other man on Toner’s bog.(Heaney 17-18)”The narrator repeatedly talks about how skilled his father and grandfather were with the spade, which symbolizes their passion for digging the land. The narrator continues admiring his father saying, “By God, the man could handle a spade/ Just like his old man.(Heaney 15-16”  It has clearly been shown that digging the land has been the popular choice in the narrator’s family, but the narrator’s own interest has not been expressed yet.; whether he will follow his father’s steps that he admires, or not. 

Later we learn that as much as the narrator admires his father and grandfather, he recognizes that digging is not for him. He laments, “But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.(Heaney 28)” While the narrator accepts and respects his predecessor’s choice, he is not afraid to state his tool of choice, the pen. The narrator displays how he has the same passion his father had, but with a pen, saying, “The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.(Heaney 2)” However, it is unclear if the narrator will succumb to his father’s influence to dig the land and ignore his own passion.

Towards the end of the poem, the narrator has decided to “dig” in his own unique way. At this point, the narrator has gone over his admiration for his ancestor’s devotion to digging the land while recognizing he wants to stray from that path. The narrator reaches a conclusion, saying, “Between my finger and my thumb/ The squat pen rests./ I’ll dig with it.(Heaney 29)” The narrator has shown that he will pursue his own passion, being as devoted as his father and grandfather, yet without a spade.

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 use a spade to dig, but instead wants to write using a pen. The way the narrator uses these shows us that appreciating the work of those that come before you is perfectly fine, but we should follow a path that inspires us.

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