Heaney strongly stresses his relationship with his father by creating a forceful comparison between himself and his dad and by doing so raises another important issue that is present throughout both works, the significance of the nature of change.

However even though the depiction of the father in both poems seems quite similar at first glance it later is evident that there are nevertheless certain differences between the two images created.

Follower and Digging both give a clear account of Heaney's affectionate feelings towards his father with particular emphasis on the poet's response to the physical labour of his father. Both works effectively capture the contrast between past and present, Heaney's life and that of his father and once again highlight the re-occurring theme of the nature of change. This notion of transformation is effectively conveyed in the poems by the display of the father's and also Heaney's journey through life. Both poems paint a clear picture of their lives that spans over several years, even generations and that so effectively condenses the happenings in that time.

Bends low , comes up twenty years a way."

In conclusion however this air of respectfulness and admiration really dominates the two poems therefore annihilating any negative assumptions of the fathers that might arise from their rather controversial endings.

Overall both poems basically share the same outlook on the relationship between the fathers and the son and convey a significant sense of respect and affection. The only meaningful difference between the two fathers that are portrayed is really only the fact that Digging concludes in a rather positive fashion whereas in Follower the picture of the father is in the end distorted to a slightly negative aspect.

In contrast to Follower the notion of change is not so evidently present in this particular poem as it rather then suggesting a change in the father' habits or work proposes a rather monotonous continuation of the same labour as the years pass by.

Once-over the impression of the father as the connoisseur or "expert" as Heaney describes him in Follower, is clearly emphasised and one gets the impression that this man really knows his toil.

To close one eye, stiffen my arm."(Follower)

Some common words found in the essay are:
Digging Heaney, Contrasting Follower, Follower Digging, Seamus Heaney, Evidence Digging, Follower Heaney, admiration father, , digging heaney writes, digging heaney, picture father, nature change, father stumbling, poet's admiration, heaney writes, digging concludes,
Approximate Word count = 1127
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)