Punishment
Novel
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Seamus Heaney
Punishment Key Facts
Key Facts
Poet: Seamus Heaney (1939-2013)
Full Title: Punishment
First Published: The poem was published in Heaney’s 1975 collection North
Form: The poem consists of 11 quatrains (4-line stanzas), a total of 44 lines
Meter and Rhyme Scheme: The poem is written in free verse. It means the poem has no strict meter or rhyme scheme.
Tone: Sad, thoughtful, guilty, and sympathetic
Setting...
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Punishment Summary
The poem “Punishment” is about a young girl who was killed long ago. Her body is found in a bog (wetland) in Ireland. Heaney looks at her body and feels both sadness and guilt. He connects this unfair punishment to modern violence.
The Bog Body: At first, Heaney describes the body of the young girl found in the bog. She was killed long ago. The poet imagines she was hanged by her tribe, probably f...
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Punishment Theme
Themes
Suffering and Injustice : The poem shows how a young girl was punished very cruelly by her tribe. Heaney shows how societies often treat women harshly and punish them in the name of justice. The poet feels very sad for her and calls her a “poor scapegoat.” The poet imagines the young girl was punished unfairly, probably for having a love affair.
Guilt and Silence : The poet feels both pity...
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Notes
Explore 2 detailed notes related to Punishment. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.