Blackberry Picking by Seamus Heaney
Group task
Group 1:
1.
Your group’s task is to identify the metaphors and similes in the poem. They may not be
obvious, so look carefully for any unusual images (mental pictures) and decide whether you
have found a metaphor or a simile.
2.
Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour pen,
label each one with ideas about the sense it refers to (sight, taste, touch, smell or sound) and
what kind of image this creates in the reader’s mind – harsh? gentle? appealing? warm? cold?
Group 2:
1. Your group’s task is to identify the references to the sense of sight in the poem. Start by
looking for the colours (with any adjectives) that describe the blackberries and the nature
around them.
2. Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour pen,
label each colour with your thoughts of other things that are usually that colour, or whether the
image is a comfortable one or not, and why.
Group 3:
1. Your group’s task is to identify the references to the sense of touch in the poem. Look for
unusual verbs (all in the past tense, ending –ed) and textures.
2. Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour, label
each one with ideas about whether these sensations are comfortable or not, and why.
Group 4:
1. Your group’s task is to identify the references to the sense of taste in the poem. There aren’t
many, but think about whether this makes us think that blackberries taste appealing or not.
2. Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour, label
each one with ideas about whether the image is a comfortable one or not, and why.
Group 5:
1. Your group’s task is to identify the references to the senses of sound and smell in the poem.
There aren’t many, but think about whether they make us think blackberries seem appealing or
not.
2. Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour, label
each one with ideas about whether the image is a comfortable one or not, and why.
Group 6:
1. Your group’s task is to identify examples of onomatopoeia, alliteration, and personification in
the poem. You will have to look very carefully for these, and pick out the best examples.
2. Once you have identified these, write them down in one colour. Using a different colour, label
each with ideas about the effect. Are the images made more powerful? Does alliteration make
the image seem more or less appealing? Why do you think this is?
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