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THE TOLLUND MAN, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"The Tollund Man" is a poem by Seamus Heaney, first published in his collection "Wintering Out" in 1972. It is a poem about the discovery of the preserved body of a man in a bog in Denmark, and the mystery surrounding his death.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the description of the Tollund Man's preserved body, which is "naked / except for the cap, noose and girdle." Heaney describes the man's peaceful expression, as if he were sleeping, and contrasts it with the violence of his death. He suggests that the Tollund Man was a sacrifice to the gods, a "strange gift of mercy / Wrapt in ancient hymns," and that his death was a part of an ancient religious practice.

The poem then shifts to describe the bog itself, with its "black butter" and "thickened wine" colors. Heaney uses sensory language to describe the bog and its surroundings, emphasizing the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. He also explores the idea of the bog as a repository of the past, describing it as a "peat-brown headland" that "keeps / One of the old countrymen."

Poetic Elemoents:

  • Imagery: Heaney creates vivid images of the Tollund Man's preserved body and the bog in which it was found, which contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem.
  • Theme: The poem explores the theme of sacrifice and the mysteries of the past, particularly in relation to ancient religious practices.
  • Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and reverential, reflecting Heaney's respect for the Tollund Man and the ancient culture that performed his sacrifice.
  • Structure: The poem is written in free verse and does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. It consists of five stanzas, each with varying numbers of lines, which create a sense of movement and progression throughout the poem.

Conclusion:

In "The Tollund Man," Seamus Heaney offers a powerful reflection on the mysteries of the past and the enduring power of human ritual and belief. Through his vivid imagery and contemplative tone, he evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the Tollund Man and the ancient culture that performed his sacrifice. The poem's structure, with its varying stanzas and line lengths, creates a sense of movement and progression, reflecting the idea of uncovering and discovering the preserved body. "The Tollund Man" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that offers insight into the human experience of the unknown and the enduring power of ancient beliefs and practices.

Poem Snippet:

"Some day I will go to Aarhus

To see his peat-brown head,

The mild pods of his eye-lids,

His pointed skin cap.


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