2019-

He had unstrapped
The heavy ledger, and my father
Was making tillage returns
In acres, roods, and perches.

REFERENCE
(i) Poem: A Constable Calls
(ii) Poet: Seamus Heaney

CONTEXT
The poem is told from Heaney’s perspective, as a young boy, and a grown man looking back on the
events. He senses the tension in the room, analyses the reason for the policeman’s visit, and even takes on
some of his father’s guilt at hiding crops. The policeman quizzes his father over what he did or did not
report in taxes and luckily, leaves without realizing there was something he didn’t mention.

EXPLANATION
It is revealed that it is not only the child, who is fearful with the arrival of cop but everyone. It is
unpleasant and the visit is not comfortable for all of them. Behaviour of Heaney’s father towards the
policeman is also impolite and he dislikes him. The poet goes on and discusses the “heavy ledger”, a
record-book in custody of policeman. The stanza justifies the perfect choice of words by the poet in order
to describe the condition of child as well as people. “Heavy ledger” does not only describe the heavy
record book, which is in possession of the policeman; it also signifies the terrific situation that is created
with his arrival.

2018-

One sound is saying, ‘You aren’t worth tuppence,

But neither is anybody. So, watch Number One!’
The other says, ‘Go with it! Give and swerve.
You are everything you feel beside the river.’

REFERENCE
(i) Poem: Casting and Gathering
(ii) Poet: Seamus Heaney

CONTEXT
Casting and Gathering is a beautiful poem that shows the conflict between two political
parties. ... Casting refers to throwing and gathering refers to harvesting but, in this poem, casting means
capitalists and gathering means socialists. Seamus Heaney has translated these words as per his owned
desire.

EXPLANATION
Seamus Heaney focuses on compromises. On one side, they are saying that individual is everything,
therefore, this system is preferable, whereas on the other hand, they are talking about the importance of
society and equality. Heaney has not advocated any party. He has not shown his sympathy for any of
them. According to him, compromise is the only option for them. If they make compromise then the
country will make progress.
There may be possibility that the poet has talked about loss and gain. It is general concept. Sometimes, we
lose a thing; sometimes we gain it. Life goes on in this way. Everyone witnesses this general principle.
Cast and gather; throw and harvest means loss and gain.