Irish writer Seamus Heaney can be seen as occupying a number of positions, or roles, within his society as a poet. One such position is primarily concerned with the interpretation and application of the past onto the present, seen within such poems as Digging and The Tollund Man. He is also a contributor to rebuilding an Irish sense of identity, and his position as a renowned writer can be seen as another role within his society. These positions are innately tied to the cultural contexts of Ireland - the political (governmental), religious and historical factors making up the Irish ethos. In addition to Heaney's position as a poet within his society, the position of the persona within his work is also tied to the cultural contexts of Ireland. This is demonstrated in Limbo, where the persona suggests that religion has been perverted within Ireland. However, it remains that...