Punishment

Question 1

Meaning

Answer 1

Heaney relays his involvement in the Troubles. He likens imagery of an adulteress’ dead body in a bog to his inaction when women were punished in his time

Question 2

I can feel the tug…the wind… on her naked front

Answer 2

1st PERSON - author empathy but feels responsible as if he were holding the nape
Vulnerability of woman “naked” - dignity removed

Question 3

frail rigging of her ribs

Answer 3

“r” ALLITERATION - highlights her exposure and brutal treatment. Ribs meant to provide protection, but even last defense is weakened.

Question 4

she was a barked sapling…oak-bone, brain firkin:

Answer 4

METAPHOR “sapling” reveals her youth and frailty. Removed bark her protection and given rough treatment.

“oak-bone..” corruption of her beauty.

Question 5

her shaved head like a stubble of black corn

Answer 5

Hair shows feminine beauty - taken away. SIMILE “black corn” discarded away as an empty shell of what she was.

Question 6

cast…the stones of silence

Answer 6

SIBILANCE shows reflectionery mood, indicating deep regret.

Author suggests that his inaction is just as bad as having mistreated the woman himself.

Question 7

I would have stood dumb

Question 8

connive in civilised outrage, yet understand the exact and tribal, intimate revenge.

Answer 8

Understands actions wrong, but wouldn’t have acted, understands where anger comes from.
“Civilized outrage” - OXYMORON reflects own internal conflict.
Connive in civilized - harsh CONSONANT perhaps reflect self-loathing of his failed morality.

Question 9

Structure 1

Answer 9

Lack of RHYME SCHEME reflects the lack of order in the chaos of this punishment - reflects guilt of author