The Use of Language in the Work of Seamus Heaney

"The use of language in poetry, particulary that of poetic devices, is as important as the meanings conveyed by these." Respond to this statement. I have chosen to take a contrary viewpoint to the comment. Enjoy :) While the use of language is a significant part of all poetic works, it should not be said that this is more important than the actual message which these words convey. Rather, language is a receptacle for the themes …

…poetry, Heaney uses extensive figurative language, such as similes, personification and metaphors, to enhance the message which he is portraying to the reader. While it shouldn't be said that the language is as important than the meaning itself, especially in thought-provoking and issue-raising poetry such as Heaney's, this use of figurative language is an important part of expressing and understanding these points which Heaney is addressing, and is thus a crucial part of all poetry.