In writing a poem involving a son who follows and admires his father, Seamus Heaney allows the reader insight into the nature of perspectives. Heaney’s use of syntax such as parallel structure, imagery and irony highlights important aspects of one's perspective and how it can change with time. In reading the poem “The Follower,” one the many things stand out is the Poet’s use of parallel structure. After closely examining this use of syntax, it is clear that the similarities
time and age are recurring themes of many of Seamus Heaney’s poems. Much is true for Follower, a poem recounting the poignant tale between the relationship between father and son. Written in first person, the poem begins with the speaker recounting his father line of work, and soon switches to focusing on the speaker’s life. Because the poem was written in first person, it can be assumed that Heaney was recounting his childhood. Heaney moves from the perspective of a young, admiring son to an exasperated
were able to, and often did, travel to many places, spreading this poem and many others around the country. It was originally the job of the scops to make this poem memorable, and they
(1269-1273) Boewulf’s comparative divinity can keep any non-Christians from connecting emotionally with the poem. One of the themes is blatantly the idea that those who are Christian are successful, while followers of other religions are doomed; this message is very unfriendly to a modern audience. Such a prejudiced and stark view of religion keeps many modern readers from fully embracing the themes of Beowulf