Michaela Schenkel

AP Literature and Composition

Period V
“Blackberry Picking”

In “Blackberry Picking”, by Seamus Heaney, the action of picking blackberries conveys both a

literal and metaphorical connotation. The author uses different literary devices to make a very sensory

and impressionable image in the readers’ mind of picking blackberries. At the same time, Heaney uses

literary devices to convey a deeper metaphorical meaning. From one or two read-throughs, the reader

can grasp these two ideas. Choosing a meaning subject to himself, the author uses this experience of

picking blackberries to convey his point.

By using imagery, the author is able to pull the reading into the story of the blackberry picking.

Terms such as “heavy rain and sun” or “glossy purple clot” evoke images that a reader can clearly

picture in their heads (ll.1, 3). Although there is not really a rhythm to the piece, the words flow easily

enough for the reader. Alliteration such as “big dark blobs burned” or “pepper with thorn pricks, our

palms sticky as Bluebeard’s” help keep the flow of the piece and consonants used (b and p) sound sticky

coming out of ones’ mouth, like blueberries. Using his own experience, the author uses these literary

devices to convey his memory to the reader. Although the literal connotation is strong in the piece,

readers can also find a deeper meaning.

At the end of the piece the phrase “each year I hoped that they’d keep, knew they would not” is

the dead giveaway that picking blackberries is not the only meaning in the poem. Blackberry picking

represents positive sentiments to the author, and he conveys this through literary devices as mentioned

above. Using his happy memory as a metaphor for good things, the author then describes at the end of

the piece “that all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot” implying that the rot is the withering away of good

things. All good things must pass. The author conveys that, while happy things should be remembered

and cherished, one must not dwell for they do not last forever.
 Michaela Schenkel
AP Literature and Composition
Period V
With both literal and metaphorical context to the poems, readers can find deciphering the poem

a tad challenging. Drawing from personal experience, the author makes the poem relatable as well as

stylish and a pleasant read through literary devices. Using imagery in the last section, the author also

uses his experience as a metaphor for the end of good things. Through these literary devices, the author

conveys his point, both literally and metaphorically.