How is marriage and love reflected in Heaney’s poem “The Skunk”?

Answer

How is marriage and love reflected in Heaney’s poem “The Skunk”? [2015] 

Seamus Heaney’s (1939-2013) poem “The Skunk” (1975) is a tender and emotional love poem. It shows the poet’s deep affection for his wife even when they are far apart. He remembers her with longing and warmth. Through the image of a skunk, he expresses both his desire and admiration for her.

Love in Separation: Heaney was away from his wife in California when he wrote this poem. At night, he sees a skunk walking outside. Seeing the skunk, he begins to think of his wife back in Ireland. The skunk reminds him of her graceful and mysterious movements. He says,

“Night after night

I expected her like a visitor.”

This shows how much he misses her presence. The loneliness makes him write “love-letters again.” This shows his longing and affection for his wife even after “eleven years” of marriage.

Marriage Filled with Desire and Admiration: Heaney compares the skunk to his wife.

“…intent and glamorous,

Ordinary, mysterious…”

These opposite words show how his love is both familiar and exciting. In the last stanza, he remembers how she searches black nightdress in the bottom drawer. This scene depicts everyday married life and also his deep desire and closeness. The poet feels that love in marriage can be sensual, warm, and full of life.

In “The Skunk,” Heaney shows that true love in marriage does not fade with time or distance. Through tender memory and natural imagery, he celebrates the beauty, desire, and emotional bond between husband and wife.