Postscript: Plot

“Postscript: Plot”

Overview

• “Postscript” is a poem by Seamus Heaney that was included in his collection The Spirit Level published in 1996.

• The poem describes a journey to the west coast of Ireland and the beauty of the landscape encountered.

The Journey

• Heaney describes a drive through the Irish countryside, from Clare to the Burren, ending at the coast of Galway Bay.

• There’s a sense of freedom and spontaneity in the journey, conveyed through the use of phrases like “a hurry through which known and strange things pass”.

• The car braves all types of weather conditions, including “blowing rain” which adds to the dramatic effect of the journey.

Observations and Impressions

• Much of the poem is dedicated to Heaney’s impressions and observations during the journey, paying attention to the details of the natural world.

• Vibrant images like “froth-ridden” shores and “sunburst” are used to describe the ever-changing beauty of the landscape, aiding in visualizing the scene.

• The poet is particularly taken by a moment of standstill when a “swan” on the lake takes off and creates a “quickening breeze”.

The Ending

• The poem ends with a transformative moment where the beauty of the scene overwhelms the poet, making the heart “catch”.

• This is a key point, highlighting the power of nature and the landscape to deeply affect the observer, transforming their emotions and state of being.

• The ending of the poem promotes a sense of reflection and contemplation, encouraging the reader to pause and fully experience the beauty of the moment.