World Lit. A—Brit Lit.

NaTurE and THe  POeT

Eavan Boland

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Each and every human being is part of nature, even if we live all of our lives in a huge city.  Everyone that sits under a tree in summer, walks through a park, or herds animals in an open field is affected by nature in some way.   Many poets include descriptions of nature in their poems.  They describe the world around them because they see life reflected in it.  They not only try to show us what they see, they try to make us understand how they feel.  There is more meaning in nature than just the plants and animals around us.  Ted Hughes, Eavan Boland, and Seamus Heaney are poets who have used nature in their poems to communicate something about life.

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Look at the following sites for examples of nature in Boland’s life.  Look at the parks, suburban landscapes and the sites around where she wrote (in Dublin).  Open a MS Word document and record 5-7 impressions (or cut and paste) key descriptions from the locations.

• Ms. Boland’s Biography
• An Urban Park and Zoo
• Ireland on Foot Read the descriptions about exploring Ireland by foot.  Then, click on the link in the left column “Packing for Hill Walking” for more information.

2.  Then, look at these sites about Boland.  Record 5-7 impressions of Boland’s connection to Ireland, Dublin, and the land.

• Dublin Hills Suburbs and “This Moment”  
• Q&A with Eavan Boland 
• “How We Made New Art on Old Ground” 
• “Ode To Suburbia” 

3.   From the above poems, choose one you like. Read it carefully several times. Type your responses to the following questions. You will have explored the connection between humans and the natural world.

• POEM BY BOLAND: (Write the name of the poem)
• THE POET'S BACKYARD:  Since we don't all live in the suburbs of Dublin, it is difficult to really feel the way she did about urban nature.  After looking at some pictures of Ireland and the public parks and zoo of Dublin, write about your impression of Boland’s "backyard".
• FEEL THE IMAGERY:  What sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and references to nature are described in the poem you chose?  What emotional effect are they supposed to have—think about what Boland wants to you to feel about them?  What does Boland mean by the descriptions?  Write about some of the best examples from the poem.
• THE POETIC EFFECT:  Consider the images and ideas from above.  What overall picture of nature does it create (for example, is nature harsh, peaceful, unpredictable, a metaphor for something, a backdrop, etc?)  How does it affect you?  Explain your ideas about each question.
• CONCLUSIONS:  What conclusions can you draw about the poet's response to nature and its relationship to human beings?  What is being reflected in nature?