Punishment

Historically, “Punishment” is heavily inspired by archaeological findings of the 20th century, particularly that of the bog bodies of Northern Europe. Bog bodies are mummified remains that have been preserved by the unusual chemical makeup of peat bogs. Although the level of mummification varies among the bodies, most of them are hundreds or thousands of years old, and the bodies retain vestiges of skin and internal organ systems. The bodies typically take on a tanned appearance, turning a deep brown or copper color as a result of the bog environment. While there is a consensus on the environmental causes of bog mummification, research into the cultural, social, or political reasons for ancient bog burials remains ongoing. Some theorists speculate that bog bodies are the result of human sacrifices or other ancient cultural rituals.

Heaney’s North collection reflects heavily upon the bog bodies and connects their ritualistic and violent demises with the civil unrest of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Although some people have criticized Heaney’s work for its fascination and seeming exploitation of violence, “Punishment” and other poems from North address the artistic exploitation of violence head-on and do not shy away from indicting all artists for their roles in sensationalizing war, violence, and death.