The Underground by Seamus Heaney (Important Quotes)

Past tense - Heaney is reminiscing. Also a narrative, casual tone and energetic imagery.

“There we were, in the vaulted tunnel running”

Shows that Heaney and his wife were on their honeymoon.

“You in your going-away coat, speeding ahead”

Classical allusion 1 - Pan and Syrinx

“me, then, like a fleet god gaining Upon you before you turned into a reed”

Metaphor for losing virginity, then metaphor for undressing.

“Or some new white flower japped wth crimson As the coat flapped and button after button Sprang off”

Wide assonance - highlights their carefree, easygoing nature.

“Honeymooning, moonlighting, late for the Proms”

Tense switch to the present.

“and now I come”

Classical allusion 2 - Hansel and Gretel

“now I come as Hansel came on the moonlit stones Retracing the path back, lifting the buttons”

Echoey, desolate imagery highlighting the change in mood from the past to the present.

“To end up in a draughty, lamplit station After the trains have gone”

Simile - Heaney is tense and uncomfortable, a strained relationship with his wife.

“the wet track Bared and tensed as I am”

Classical allusion 3 - Orpheus and Eurydice.

“all attention For your step following and damned if I look back”

Theme

Love, changing relationships, marriage.