A Constable Calls

-memory poem
-tillage returns
-description of the parts of the constable "boot of the law" "his cap was upside down" "slightly sweating hair" parts of his bike "fat black handle grips" parts of what he had with him "heavy ledger" (threatening)- no overall description of the person - impersonal description, uses little details to build up an unattractive picture of the constable.
-images indication violence and tension - bike describes almost like a gun - "Its fat black handle grips/of the dynamo gleaming and cocked back"
-"cap was upside down on the floor" unwelcome visitor- not asked to hang cap up
-"his slightly sweating hair" unattractive, unpleasant, uneasy in this setting, out of his element and unwelcome in the family home
- "the pedal treads hanging relieved of the boot of the law" "heavy ledger" - oppressive
-father = impersonal, businesslike, unfriendly "no"
- Heaney's innocence and concern for his father, guilty, scared of "black hole in the barracks", unease with the law. "i assumed small guilts"
-describes revolver - threatening

themes -
conflict - fear, associates the constable with violence, even bike associated w violence
skilful depiction of childhood mentality - frightened and fascinated
family - affection and worry for father
community - suggests the divided community of northern Ireland

This poem describes a minor incident, a routine visit by a police officer to a farm. yet the poem skilfully highlights the tensions that existed between catholics and protestants in northern Ireland at the time.

ticking of bike at end - timer counting down to the beginning of the troubles
- brings to mind bombs exploding w such terrible loss of life during the conflicts
"ticked, ticked,ticked"

	Created by niamhmoynagh almost 11 years ago

Seamus Heaney Note on A Constable Calls, created by niamhmoynagh on 26/05/2013.

A Constable Calls