"Digging"

In the Poem "Digging" by Seamus Heaney uses imagery and metaphors in order to convey the theme and main idea. Heaney uses the concept of digging as an extended metaphor to make an indirect comparison between himself and his father. The metaphor of digging shows an unexpected common ground between the livelihood of potato farming and writing. There is also the metaphor of digging up roots.  In this poem, digging not only refers to the literal action of digging but it also alludes to the idea of digging up memories and Heany's family genealogy.

Although he will not follow the footsteps of his forefathers, by digging in the fields, he will instead dig with his pen to fulfill a career as a writer. He may not be equal to "men like them", with a spade, but he knows that he is much more powerful with a pen in his hand.  His pen would allow him to dig more into his past by recreating his own poetry with it. When he writes, him and his pen become one in harmony as the pen rests "Between [his] finger and [his] thumb....snug as a gun" (Heaney 730). This shows how well suited he is to write. The metaphor "snug as a gun", can also be related to keeping himself safe from the criticisms of other's for not pursuing his predecessor's career as a farmer.  Heaney uses the spade as a metaphor for his pen which digs into his memories and feelings about his heritage.  He describes that he will follow the same footsteps as his father and grandfather, but instead of using a spade he will use his pen.  

When Heaney's father "Bends low, comes up twenty years away",  he helps the reader transition with him into his past when his father was farming potatoes. The paradox "coarse boot nestled on the lug" brings the imagery of the strenuous task of digging.  In this poem, it is understood how proud Heaney is of his own heritage, and that he will continue with his family's heritage of digging as a writer. Through out this poem, he constantly praises his father who "could handle a spade, just like his old man" (Heaney 730-731). This demonstrates how proud he is of own heritage.  It is apparent that Heaney will carry on his family tradition, through his writings. 

Heaney also utilizes imagery in order to connect the readers to the atmosphere displayed in the story.  Through his writings, he gives the impressions of a harsh environment with "the cold smell of potato mould"(Heaney 731).