The Play Way

First, having read the poem , describe what is happening in the poem. I think of 'describe' as being the function of criticism which deflects argument: if you've got 'describe' right, no-one can argue with what you say. See if you can write 50 - 80 words describing as precisely as possible what happens in the poem and how - in the simplest way - Heaney describes it.

Now we can move on to appreciate. Find two or three specific examples of language use in the poem which you find effective. Quote them - fluently - and then write a sentence or two explaining as well as you can what you find effective about each one.

Finally, think about interpretation. Make notes now for the homework essay: think about the essay question you have been set: How do poets present the experience of being a teacher?

Don't trust everything you read on the internet, but the following site might be useful to you:

http://www.shunsley.eril.net/armoore/langlit/anthologysection1.htm