Swallows

Question 1

Give an overview of the relation between humans and nature in this poem.

Answer 1

• Both acts are beautiful, and both things allow a better perspective on things.
• Sheers sees the act of writing, to him at least, as being just as natural as the flight of the birds.

Question 2

What does the description of the swallows serve as?

Answer 2

An allegory for the constant departures and arrivals of his family, the sunrises and sunsets, the trees planted for births and deaths, and the way that the different generations ‘fly’ together.

Question 3

What is the birds flying in unison is a reflection of?

Answer 3

Him and his grandfather performing castration together in the field, or he and his father climbing up Skirrid Hill together.