Compare the effect of imagery in any two poems by Seamus Heaney

Firstly, I would structure my essay in the style of compare and contrast, as this is what the examiners are ultimately looking for. Say I choose Death of a Naturalist and The Follower by Seamus Heaney. I’d break down the essay question as many times as necessary to understand exactly what is asked of me. If you are looking into the effect of imagery, then is is crucial to develop several arguments throughout the body paragraphs that demonstrate Heaney’s use of juxtaposition and themes, motifs and symbolism that contribute to the overarching similarity between the two poems (ie. theme of nostalgia/youth through familial ties with his father in The Follower, and emphasis on his childhood in DoaN). Concurrently, I would mention the (not necessarily but probably) different literary devices employed (onomatopoeias, allegory, enjambment, alliteration, hyperbole… the list goes on) and how they affect each standalone poem.

You want literary devices to be the focus of your analysis, but be sure to point out why you’ve used a certain quote to support your thesis, which you’d briefly but clearly mention in your introduction. Before we go into the analysis of each poem, which will constitute the bulk of this essay, I should identify tonal changes and their effect on language and Heaney’s intent. It's a good idea to always remember intent (it will help tie everything together in our conclusion). As a literary essay, we demonstrate these factors through the language employed. Supporting quotes are crucial here because they will make or break your point — don’t be afraid to use them to demonstrate a lack of an otherwise ‘obvious’ idea, as this is at times a dramatic tool employed to impose a certain feeling on the reader. This will add depth and clarity to your essay, because you aren’t regurgitating an obvious, spoon-fed idea. Just be sure you’ve identified these early on and have enough space in your essay to explain your meaning. Nearing the conclusion, I'd consider the following — as Heaney’s work often refers to several dimensions of the theme of nostalgia, I would after analysing imagery as a tool conclude with the way he has employed this particular technique differently, and similarly, in both poems to achieve his intended meaning. Keep your conclusion simple and stick to a light recap of the marvellous ideas you’ve developed throughout the body’s text.