The Forge by Seamus Heaney (Important Quotes)

Sonnet Form - A fancy, carefully crafted form of poetry. This reflects the theme of the skillful, ancient art of writing poetry and showcases the theme of the sacred nature of art.

Fourteen lines with a regular rhyme scheme. The octet focuses on the forge itself and the sestet is focused on the blacksmith. A change in focus is definitely seen between the octet and sestet.

Simile - The poet compares the anvil to a unicorn, a mythical, magical creature. This suggests that there is something magical and special about the anvil, and thus, the blacksmith’s craft.

“The anvil must be somewhere in the centre, Horned as a unicorn”

Metaphor - The poet compares the anvil to an immoveable altar, a paragon and monolith showcasing the importance of art. It emphasises that art is a central part of society and humanity.

“The anvil must be somewhere in the centre, … Set there immoveable, an altar”

Cacophony - Used in the poem to describe the discordance of modern day life outside the classical forge.

“old axles and iron hoops rusting”

Euphony - Used in the description of the forge to give it an otherworldy, magical quality. Here, the beauty and mystery of the sparks are called to mind.

“The unpredictable fantail of sparks”

Onomatopoeia, Sensuous Imagery - It is used here to enhance the imagery of the blacksmith forging the metal. Through the use of the consonants, we are able to hear the rhythmic sound of the hammer striking the metal.

“hammered anvil’s short-pitched ring”

Contrast - Between the disorderly, noisy outside world and the mystical, rhythmic world of the forge.

“traffic is flashing in rows” “hiss when a new shoe toughens in water”

Symbolism

An analogy is created between the craft of the blacksmith and that of the poet.

Tone

The tone is curious, fascinated and appraising. “The anvil must be somewhere in the centre”

Mood

The mood is eerie and magical as we bear witness to a sacred art form. “The unpredicatable fantail of sparks”

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