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Opened Ground: Selected Poems 1966–1996 by Seamus Heaney

Peter Carter

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Opened Ground: Selected Poems 1966–1996 is a powerful and moving collection of poetry by Seamus Heaney, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. The poems in this collection explore the themes of home, loss, and memory, and they are written in a clear and accessible style that makes them accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Opened Ground: Selected Poems, 1966-1996

by Seamus Heaney

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	403 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	468 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Themes

The poems in Opened Ground are often set in the rural landscape of Heaney's childhood in County Derry, Ireland. He writes about the land and its people with a deep sense of affection and nostalgia, but he also explores the darker side of rural life, such as the poverty and violence that were often present in his community.

One of the most important themes in Opened Ground is the theme of home. Heaney's poems explore the different meanings of home, both in a physical and emotional sense. He writes about the homes we are born into, the homes we create for ourselves, and the homes we lose. He also explores the idea of home as a place of both comfort and conflict.

Another important theme in Opened Ground is the theme of loss. Heaney's poems explore the different ways we experience loss, both personal and collective. He writes about the loss of loved ones, the loss of innocence, and the loss of a way of life. However, Heaney's poems also offer hope and resilience in the face of loss.

Finally, the theme of memory is also important in Opened Ground. Heaney's poems explore the ways we remember the past, both personal and collective. He writes about the power of memory to shape our present and future, and he also explores the dangers of forgetting.

Style

The poems in Opened Ground are written in a clear and accessible style that makes them accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Heaney uses simple language and straightforward imagery to create poems that are both beautiful and meaningful. He also uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as metaphor, simile, and personification, to create poems that are rich and evocative.

Impact

Opened Ground has been praised by critics for its beauty, power, and insight. The collection has won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Prize for Poetry and the T.S. Eliot Prize. It has also been translated into more than 30 languages.

Opened Ground is a powerful and moving collection of poetry that explores the themes of home, loss, and memory. Heaney's poems are written in a clear and accessible style that makes them accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The collection has won numerous awards and has been translated into more than 30 languages.

Opened Ground: Selected Poems, 1966-1996

by Seamus Heaney

4.7 out of 5