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Comment 10 of 10, added on April 21st, 2009 at 1:40 PM.
I am just teaching this poem to Yr 9. On first reading the pupils say they don't like it but the more you get into it the easier it is.
First read the poem through once or twice. Next ask yourself these questions:
Who is/are mentioned in the poem?
Where is this happening?
When is this happening?
What is happening in each stanza?
What is the mood of the poem( this can be more than one thing as it could start one wayand end another).
What is the structure and form of the poem.
Next look at the use of language-
identify simile, metaphor, oxymoron, repetition, personification.
You need to underline these and then explain images or suggestions created by these.
Really its about animal cruelty and how a child's view of this changes as he grows and sees the wider picture.
Good luck
Englishteacher from United Kingdom
Comment 9 of 10, added on April 17th, 2009 at 12:19 PM.
lol... i ve noticed that theres a lot of 15 year olds reading this poem... i guess i fit into that groupie too xP
i'm also studying this poem for an exam, Junior cert. But since i'm homeschooled im not 100% sure im studying properly... anyone have any tips?
Leah from Ireland
Comment 8 of 10, added on October 10th, 2008 at 4:33 AM.
im am also reading this poem and i am writing a essay on it but like jen i can not find any sites that could help soo if any one has any sites please email me :) shannenc@hotmail.co.uk
shannen campbell from United Kingdom
Comment 7 of 10, added on February 22nd, 2007 at 6:30 PM.
I personally do not like this poem i can see where the poet is coming from but ive always had a soft spot for cute animals and i was shocked at it even though it is true.
sparky from United Kingdom
Comment 6 of 10, added on April 7th, 2006 at 2:58 PM.
i'm 15 and stupidly chose to study this poem. It seemed really simple at first but now it's just too stressful. I thank Heaney's parents for getting so drunk on that passionate night.
oscar from United Kingdom
Comment 5 of 10, added on March 19th, 2006 at 3:55 AM.
If anyone wants to buy a comparision of The early purges and mid term break which got me 20/20 english coursework GCSE. Then i will sell it to you. Email Me
Jack from United Kingdom
Comment 4 of 10, added on November 16th, 2005 at 5:32 AM.
i don't like it!!
Goli
Comment 3 of 10, added on October 20th, 2005 at 10:32 AM.
Grrr.... I'm having to write a flipping essay on this poem right now, and I hate it. It's annoying how studying something can ruin it completely.
Bex from United Kingdom
Comment 2 of 10, added on August 5th, 2005 at 6:22 AM.
HI! Studying Heaney's work for school, and I believe this is a tale about a child's intial brush with the phenomena that is death.It appears to be a recollection of Heaney remembering how he was introduce to the topic of death, albeit in a seemingly cruel manner: the murder of unwanted kittens on a farm.
He uses the word purges, which is interesting as this is a term commonly associated with a mass movement of and for death, like those during Stalin's rule over Russia.
His main message seems to be how the reality of life "displaces false sentiments", for after experiencing the heartache of the killing of animals over and over again, he states that "it makes sense", and that "on-well run farms pests have to kept down". He now calls them pests, whereas earlier he described them as having softs paws, and "making a frail metal sound."
Kellz from Australia
Comment 1 of 10, added on July 4th, 2005 at 9:33 AM.
I am 15 years old and after reading this poem many times now, as i am doing it for coursework,i think that i am finally begining to understand it. Although I still don't entirely understand where Heaney is coming from, i now know the meanings and bits of the poem which are not so obvious, does anyone know any good sites to help analyse poems, email me!
Thanks xx
jen from United Kingdom
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I am just teaching this poem to Yr 9. On first reading the pupils say they don't like it but the more you get into it the easier it is.
First read the poem through once or twice. Next ask yourself these questions:
Who is/are mentioned in the poem?
Where is this happening?
When is this happening?
What is happening in each stanza?
What is the mood of the poem( this can be more than one thing as it could start one wayand end another).
What is the structure and form of the poem.
Next look at the use of language-
identify simile, metaphor, oxymoron, repetition, personification.
You need to underline these and then explain images or suggestions created by these.
Really its about animal cruelty and how a child's view of this changes as he grows and sees the wider picture.
Good luck
Englishteacher from United Kingdom