Death of a Naturalist - Nature

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Heaney uses the autobiographical poem, “Death of a Naturalist” as a vehicle to explore how his relationship with nature transformed. as he grew up. Catalysed by the death of his four-year-old brother, Heaney depicts how his imagination coarsened and his affinity with nature was lost when he transitioned from childhood to adolescence, having gained experience of how uncontrollable and brutal nature could be.

Question 2

The flax-dam festered

Answer 2

opens with a very pessimistic outlook immediately established a setting ripe with decay.

visceral imagery - “Festered” connotes to decay and rotting, represents Heaney’s negative depiction of nature, contrast to childhood fascination.

Fricative “f” sound highlights disgust for nature

Question 3

flax had rotted there

Answer 3

reinforces the theme of corruption and decomposition

use of past tense of “rotted” compared to present tense of “festered” established establishes a cycle of decomposition

Question 4

it sweltered in the punishing sun

Answer 4

solidifies the environment as hostile

sun is personified as oppressive and sensory imagery of “sweltered” adds to intensity of the environment

highlights the violent potency of nature

Question 5

But best of all

Answer 5

signals a shift in Heaney’s outlook, employing a youthful tone

absolute phrase portrays childish fascination of nature

severe contrast to previous perspective emphasises his naive appreciation for nature

Question 6

warm thick slobber every spring