Why the Father Stays: Unpacking ‘Follower’ by Seamus Heaney

Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘Follower’ is one of those rare pieces that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. At its heart, it’s a story about a son’s admiration for his father, a skilled farmer whose presence looms large—both literally and figuratively. But here’s the thing: the father never really fades into the background. He’s always there, a constant figure in the narrator’s life. So, why doesn’t the father go away? Let’s dive into this question and explore the layers of meaning behind his enduring presence.

The Father as a Role Model: More Than Just a Farmer

In ‘Follower,’ Heaney paints his father as a larger-than-life figure, a man who commands respect not just for his physical strength but for his mastery of the land. For the young narrator, the father isn’t just a parent—he’s a hero, a teacher, and a symbol of everything the son aspires to be. The father’s presence is so powerful that it feels almost inescapable, like a shadow that follows you wherever you go.

But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about farming. The father represents something bigger—tradition, hard work, and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next. His constant presence in the poem mirrors the way parents often stay with us, even when we’re grown, shaping our values and decisions in ways we might not even realize.

Emotional Weight: Why the Father Lingers

Let’s get real for a moment. The father’s presence isn’t just about physical proximity. It’s emotional, too. Heaney uses the father as a symbol of constancy and continuity, a reminder that some things—like love, respect, and family ties—don’t fade with time. Even as the narrator grows up and takes on new roles, the father’s influence remains, like an invisible hand guiding his steps.

Think about it: haven’t we all had moments where we hear our parents’ voices in our heads, offering advice or encouragement? That’s what Heaney captures so beautifully in ‘Follower.’ The father doesn’t go away because, in a way, he can’t. His lessons, his values, and his love are woven into the fabric of the narrator’s life.

The Push and Pull of Growing Up

Now, here’s where things get interesting. While the father’s presence is comforting, it’s also a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the narrator admires his father and wants to be just like him. On the other hand, he’s struggling to carve out his own identity, to step out of his father’s shadow and prove himself. Sound familiar? It’s a tension many of us feel as we grow up—wanting to honor our roots while also forging our own path.

By the end of the poem, there’s a subtle shift. The roles reverse, and the father becomes the follower, relying on his son for guidance. It’s a poignant reminder that relationships evolve over time, but the bonds remain. The father’s presence, though different, is still there, a testament to the enduring nature of family ties.

Heaney’s Craft: How Language Keeps the Father Alive

One of the reasons the father’s presence feels so vivid is Heaney’s masterful use of language. The poem is packed with rich, sensory details—the sound of the horse’s harness, the smell of the earth, the rhythm of the plow. These images don’t just describe the father; they bring him to life, making him feel real and tangible.

And then there’s the metaphor. The father isn’t just a farmer; he’s a symbol of tradition, strength, and continuity. Heaney’s choice of words and imagery ensures that the father’s presence lingers, not just in the narrator’s mind but in the reader’s as well.

Legacy: The Father’s Lasting Impact

At its core, ‘Follower’ is a poem about legacy. The father’s presence isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about what he leaves behind. His values, his skills, his way of life—these are the things that shape the narrator’s identity and, in turn, influence future generations.

In a broader sense, the poem speaks to the tension between tradition and change. The father represents the old ways, the tried-and-true methods that have been passed down for generations. But as the narrator grows and changes, he must find a way to honor that legacy while also making it his own.

Why the Father Doesn’t Go Away

So, why doesn’t the father go away in ‘Follower’? Because he can’t. His presence is too deeply ingrained in the narrator’s life, a constant reminder of where he came from and who he aspires to be. The father is more than just a person; he’s a symbol of love, tradition, and the enduring bonds of family.

In the end, ‘Follower’ invites us to reflect on our own relationships with our parents and the ways they continue to shape us, long after we’ve grown up. It’s a powerful reminder that, no matter how much we change, some things—like the love and lessons of our parents—stay with us forever.

So, the next time you hear your dad’s voice in your head or catch yourself doing something just the way he taught you, remember: he’s not really gone. He’s just following you, in the best way possible.