The Diviner

E519331

"The Diviner" is a poem by Seamus Heaney that reflects his early exploration of rural Irish life, superstition, and the intuitive search for hidden truths.

Jump to: Statements Referenced by

Statements (42)

Predicate Object
instanceOf poem
analyzedFor its representation of rural Irish culture
its treatment of superstition and belief
its use of concrete physical detail to suggest abstract ideas
associatedWith Heaney's exploration of rural crafts
Heaney's interest in traditional practices
author Seamus Heaney NERFINISHED
countryOfOrigin Ireland
depicts a water diviner using a hazel rod
explores tension between rationality and superstition
the idea of hidden knowledge
the role of the poet as a kind of diviner
focusesOn the act of dowsing for water
genre lyric poetry
hasSubject a man searching for underground water
language English
literaryDevice alliteration
enjambment
imagery
metaphor
simile
literaryMovement contemporary Irish poetry
narrativePerspective third-person observation
partOf Seamus Heaney's early work
periodOfComposition 20th century
setting rural Ireland
studiedIn Irish literature courses
modern poetry courses
symbolizes intuitive understanding
the poetic imagination
the search for meaning beneath the surface of ordinary life
theme craft and skill
folk belief
intuition
mystery of underground water
relationship between man and landscape
rural Irish life
search for hidden truths
superstition
the uncanny in everyday life
tone contemplative
respectful

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Death of a Naturalist containsPoem The Diviner