“Requiem for the Croppies”, written by Seamus Heaney in 1962, describes the Irish rebellion of 1798 as seen through the eyes and narrative voice of a character randomly, deceased Irish soldier. The term “croppies” refers to rebels, attributable to their short hair – a style adopted by French revolutionaries of the same period. In this sonnet, Heaney employs the use of double meanings, metaphors, and other literary devices to convey, despite the futility, a sense of nationalistic pride through desperation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayHeaney opens the poem by suggesting that the source of the narrative is that of an itinerant male. Without “runaway kitchens” (2), man – along with most of the community – is forced to rely on barley for nourishment: “Our coat pockets full of barley.” (1) “No strike camp” (2) works to describe the rebels' lack of militant training and therefore a deficiency in their preparedness. At the end of the first two lines, Heaney uses what is called a hyphen. This rhetorical device, referred to in this case as aposiopesis, serves to effectively express the rebels' sense of care and urgency in the ensuing battle, making it appear as if the speaker lacks time to explain the situation further. In line 3, the reader is given the impression of an aggressive Irish uprising despite the odds. The English are attacking, forcing the Irish to “[move] quickly and suddenly into [their] country.” By portraying the Irish as under siege, Heaney demonstrates the power of England, as the rebellion must ward off intrusions into their home country. Despite this, the speaker watches a classless community unite to fight for their kingdom: “The priest lay behind the ditches with the wanderer.” (4) Heaney details aspects of the war in the next lines, once again suggesting that the Irish were not as equipped for battle. This is achieved through atypical punctuation, breaking up what might be an otherwise banal sentence: “A people, who hardly march – on the excursion –”. Reading the line correctly means instilling noticeable pauses; this gives the sense of a nervous, sporadic progression. The adjective “hardly” takes on a double meaning. As a synonym for “barely,” Heaney suggests a contrast with organized English troops, who advance collectively and are well prepared; however, understanding the word to mean “powerfully” or “impressive” is not incorrect and insinuates a sense of willpower. Nonetheless, the Irish try “new tactics” (6) to compete with the English: “Cut off the reins and the rider with the pike” (7). As the rebellion “drags the cattle into the infantry” (8), the feeling is more one of desperation than innovation. Originality aside, the Irish are forced to resort to such acts due to their low numbers and lack of substantial weapons. On the other hand, the use of these methods demonstrates the determination to succeed in the defense of the nation. The Irish would see their final defeat at Vinegar Hill, a “fatal conclave” (10) that marked the end of the rebellion. While “conclave” may simply refer to a gathering of individuals, it has its roots in religion, specifically denoting the private meetings that Catholic cardinals would hold to elect a pope. Heaney blends the two definitions together in his use of the word; not only will English soldiers and Irish rebels gather at Vinegar Hill, but since the meeting will,. 2009.