Mid-Term Break at first glance, seems to be a fairly simple and straightforward poem, in the sense that (at first) it seems to lack emotion and has a childlike quality and feel; but as you read on, you notice various elements and techniques that Heaney has subtly incorporated into the poem to make you think differently. In fact, this poem is very cleverly written and extremely moving. Heaney uses a range of truly effective techniques. Because there is no rhyme and rhythm, the poem flows more smoothly and feels more natural, enjambment also allows the poem to flow easily between lines and stanzas. Onomatopoeia is used to express emotions during the poem; such as “cooed,” “whispered,” “coughed,” and “knocked.” The use of these words seems to give the poem a definite, understated sound. The theme and tone of "Mid-term Break", expressed in a simplistic manner (while paying a lot of attention to detail), reflects the boy's voice. The title helps reveal the main theme; death. At first the reader thinks that the title "mid-term break" is deliberately misleading in terms of affect, but on closer inspection it has another meaning. “Mid-term”, that is to say in the middle. So the title means that the boy's life was shattered, that he died in the middle of his life. He died too young. The midterm vacation opens with a boy “sitting in the college infirmary”; the reader assumes that the boy speaking is ill, "counting the classes on his knees until the end." Immediately the theme of death is introduced to us, the toll being a funeral bell, this begins to give the poem a somber tone, as the reader can hear the bell in their head. It’s also as if the “end of school” means the end of the boy’s life. The first particularly effective verse...... middle of paper ......e became more peaceful and relaxed overnight. In this half many images of light and color were used, for example "snowdrops", "candles" and "paler". Along with these words, his saying “I have ascended” makes the atmosphere heavenly and pure. Although dead, the boy is described as angelic and perfect, as he bears no scars. “He has a poppy-shaped bruise on his left temple.” This emphasizes that the boy's death was unnatural and so unjust; because the “poppy” is associated with war, with soldiers, with young soldiers too young to die! At the end of the poem, the boy says, “A four-foot box, a foot for every year.” It's a great ending. It's shocking because it's very direct and to the point. The fact that it rhymes with the previous line means that it sticks in the reader's head, haunting them. Works Cited Mid-Term Break by Seamus Heaney