H/W James Troop 16/4/24

Questions on ‘Out of the Bag’ by Seamus Heaney

1. This is a long and complex poem which meditates across several different settings. Identify what
these are and how the poem moves between them.

Domestic Setting: The poem opens in a domestic setting, likely Heaney’s home or a familiar space
associated with the Heaney's memories. Heaney describes Doctor Kerlin's arrival with his bag and
his actions in the room, including washing his hands in the basin. This setting establishes a sense
of familiarity.
Historical and Mythological References: Heaney delves into historical and mythological
references, such as sanctuaries of Asclepius in ancient Greece. These references broaden the
poem's scope beyond the immediate domestic setting, connecting it to larger themes of healing, and
shows Heaney’s newfound knowledge.
Domestic Setting: Towards the end of the poem, the focus returns to the domestic setting, a
bedroom where the speaker's mother is lying in bed. The mention of a new baby suggest a scene of
birth, bringing the poem full circle within the familiar domestic environment.

2. In the first section, Heaney reveals his youthful fascination with Doctor Kerlin. How does he
capture this vivid experience as a child?

Internal Rhyme of "Nosy, Rosy": The internal rhyme of "nosy, rosy" not only adds musical
quality to the text but also highlights the speaker's attention to detail and keen observation.
Metaphor of the Bag as an "Ark": Describing Doctor Kerlin's bag as a "plump ark by the keel"
evokes the image of a container carrying something precious or significant. This metaphor
suggests the speaker's perception of Doctor Kerlin as a figure of authority or importance.
Imagery of Kerlin Being "Squired" into His Coat: The imagery of Doctor Kerlin being "squired
and silk-lined into the camel coat" conveys a sense of ceremony surrounding his arrival. This
image suggests the speaker's admiration for Doctor Kerlin's professional appearance.
Expression of Fears: Throughout the section, there are subtle hints of the speaker's fears or
uncertainties surrounding Doctor Kerlin's. For example, the mention of the "trap-sprung mouth
Unsnibbed and gaping wide" suggests a moment of vulnerability or unease as Doctor Kerlin opens
his bag.

3. In the second section, Heaney moves through his memories from Greece to Lourdes in France to
recall a fainting episode in which he hallucinated an image of Dr Kerlin. How does this hallucination
evoke Dr Kerlin’s power and its link to religion?

Imagery of Figures on the Glass: Heaney describes hallucinating Doctor Kerlin drawing "dot-
faced men / With button-spots in a straight line down their fronts / And women with dot breasts."
This imagery suggests a surreal and dreamlike quality to the hallucination, blurring the lines
between reality and imagination.
Reference to the Latin "Miraculum": Heaney uses the Latin word "miraculum" (miracle) to
describe the moment when the "baby bits all came together swimming / Into his soapy big hygienic
hands." This language imbues Doctor Kerlin's actions with a sense of divine intervention or
miraculous power.
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Heaney's Reaction: Heaney describes himself as "blinded with sweat, / Blinking and shaky in the
windless light" after witnessing the hallucination. This physical and emotional reaction
underscores the intensity of the experience and the profound impact it has on him.

4. In the third section, Heaney shows the appeal of religious belief in ages past as he contemplates
the temple of Asclepius in Greece. How is this captured poetically?

Scene Setting: Heaney vividly sets the scene at the temple of Asclepius, creating a sense of place
and atmosphere. He describes the "precincts of the god" and references the temple itself,
grounding the poem in a specific location rich with historical significance.
Use of Sensory Imagery: Throughout the section, Heaney employs sensory imagery to evoke the
sights, sounds, and sensations of the temple surroundings. He describes the "pre-tourist sunlight"
and the feel of the grass and “seeded grass underfoot.” These sensory details immerse the reader in
the poem, allowing them to sense mystique of the ancient temple.
Return of the Image of the "Door": Heaney returns to the image of the "door," which was
previously mentioned in the first section of the poem. This image serves as a metaphorical gateway,
symbolizing the transition between the mundane world and the unknown world.

5. In the final section, Heaney finally recalls his mother on the bed after giving birth in a description
which may also allude indirectly to her death. How does Heaney liken his mother to a God in this
section?

Use of the Word "Precinct": Heaney repeats the word "precinct," which was previously used to
describe the temple of Asclepius in Greece. By using this word again in the context of his mother's
bedside, Heaney draws a parallel between the sacred space of the temple and the sanctity of the
family house. This suggests that his mother occupies a divine role within the family, much like
ancient gods in her own right.

6. What is the irony of the mother’s final question to the young Heaney at the end of the poem?

Self-Deprecation of the Mother's Role: Throughout the poem, there is a sense of awe surrounding
Doctor Kerlin and his role in childbirth. He is depicted as a figure of authority and power, with the
ability to bring new life into the world through his medical experience. In contrast, the mother's
role in childbirth is overshadowed, as seen in her self-deprecating question about the new baby the
doctor brought "for us all when I was asleep."
Family Mythology Surrounding Doctor Kerlin: Heaney has previously believed in the family
mythology surrounding Doctor Kerlin, viewing him as a figure of great importance and even
attributing supernatural powers to him, as evidenced by the hallucination involving the doctor
drawing figures on the glass. This mythology elevates Doctor Kerlin to a divine status within the
speaker's beliefs, overshadowing the more mundane aspects of childbirth.

7. Identify and discuss some of the key possible themes in this poem.

Power and Authority: The figure of Doctor Kerlin symbolizes power and authority, both within the
medical profession and within the family dynamic. The poem examines the influence of authority
figures on individual perception and behaviour, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics
in relationships.
Role of Religion: Heaney delves into themes of religion and faith, drawing parallels between the
rituals of ancient Greek temples and the awe for Doctor Kerlin in the speaker's family. The poem
explores everyday life, questioning the nature of belief and the power of ritual in shaping
individual identities.
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Parent-Child Relationship: Throughout the poem, there are glimpses of the parent-child
relationship, particularly in the speaker's memories of his mother and his fascination with Doctor
Kerlin. The poem explores themes of dependency, admiration, and the passing down of family
mythology from one generation to the next.