Final answer:
Seamus Heaney metaphorically 'digs' through his writing, using his pen as his tool, reflecting on his identity and lineage, unlike his ancestors who physically worked the land.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Seamus Heaney's poem Digging, Heaney compares the traditional, physical labor of his father and grandfather, who were farmers, to his own work as a writer. Seamus Heaney "digs" through his writing; instead of using a shovel to turn the soil, he wields his pen as his tool for digging into his past, his memories, and his heritage. This metaphorical digging reflects Heaney's exploration of his personal identity and connection to his lineage. While his ancestors worked the land, Heaney delves into the landscape of language and history, showing that work can take various forms and still have deep value and significance.