Death of a Naturalist

IS THIS POEM JUST ABOUT FROGS?

Why is it significant that this poem is written from an adult perspective, looking back on a childhood experience?

It is clearly significant that this poem is written from Seamus' perspective as an adult as he refers many things back to his childhood. This is clear as he keeps entering the fact he was at school due to past teachers names being mentioned once or twice withing the poem. Seamus also explains what one of his teachers in particular used a phrase to explain to the class when younger how a female frog produces such a thing as frogspawn. 'The daddy frog was called a bullfrog and how he croaked and how the mammy frog laid hundreds of little eggs and this was frogspawn'.

What is being said about growing up?

Seamus' view changes dramatically within the duration of the poem. In the first paragraph where he is explaining his childhood, Seamus' view on tadpoles and frogs are rather child like; like there is nothing that could phase a scruffy child. However, towards the end of the poem; Seamus' view changes dramatically to more of a terrified and disgusted teenager perhaps. Due to the fact Heaney has grown up a little, his view on fears and disgust could easily change.

Heaney often represents aspects of nature as basic, ugly and threatening. Does this poem demonstrate this?

This poem demonstrates quite clearly that some particular aspects of nature; in this case frogs, are seen as being vile and a disrespect to nature and the society.

Does this mean that Heaney doesn't like nature?Heaney does portray a hatred towards the frogs he is describing, but this does not mean that he doesn't like nature.