Seamus Heaney

The Poems

The poems used in the project were chosen by the students. A group of Heaney poems were presented to them without notes, commentary or recommendations. They were asked to pick their favourite poem and give reasons for their choice. From the ensuing responses, the most popular six poems were selected for further detailed study. The poems presented were from the full range of Heaney's career. They include "Digging", the first poem in his first book and "A Clip", a poem from his latest collection, District and Circle, which won numerous awards. Also included is "Mid-Term Break", a poem which was judged his most popular poem by readers of the Irish Times and which is also the most frequently answered by students in the state examinations. "Requiem for the Croppies" and the 3rd sonnet from "Clearances" have been included in many school anthologies. "Markings" is a mid-career poem whose evocation of childhood games of football proved particularly appealing to the students doing the project.

Digging

Mid-Term Break

Requiem for the Croppies

Excerpt from 'Clearances'

Markings

A Clip