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From your reading of this poem, explain why the constable called to the Heaney home - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2012
Question 1
From your reading of this poem, explain why the constable called to the Heaney home. Support your answer with reference to the poem. The poet as a young boy observe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of this poem, explain why the constable called to the Heaney home - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2012
Step 1
Explain why the constable was called to the Heaney home
Answer
The constable's visit to the Heaney home represents an official inspection of the farm's crops, which reflects the rigid authority of law enforcement during that period. His duty to make an inventory signifies the tension between rural life and the outside, bureaucratic world. This introduces themes of control and surveillance within the agricultural setting, highlighting the gravity of the constable's role.
Step 2
Identify the detail you find most striking
Answer
One detail that stands out is the constable's meticulous attention to his responsibilities, as seen when he examines the crops and takes note of the surroundings. This detail captures the essence of authority and responsibility that weighs heavily on the young boy observing him. It underscores how authority figures can evoke mixed feelings — respect and fear — and illuminates the child's perspective of the constable in a moment of rigid duty.
Step 3
Explain what you think the poet means by these lines
Answer
In the lines 'Small guilts and sat / Imagining the black hole in the barracks,' the poet reflects the inner turmoil and anxiety of the observing boy. The term 'small guilts' suggests the boy's feelings of shame or fear associated with the authority figure. The 'black hole in the barracks' symbolizes a looming threat or ominous presence that evokes feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability, illustrating the tension between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of adult responsibilities.