This evocative excerpt paints a vivid picture of a man rooted in tradition and resilience, symbolized powerfully by the image of the Celtic cross—a figure that is both ancient and enduring. The simile "strong and blunt" conveys a sense of solidity and unpretentiousness, perhaps hinting at his straightforward personality or an unyielding disposition formed by years of life's demands. The phrase "clearly used to silence and an armchair" suggests a man accustomed to contemplation or perhaps isolation, spending much time in quiet reflection or detachment. This further draws a portrait of a domestic setting, one where authority or the presence of this figure shapes the atmosphere.

The latter lines invoke the domestic sphere, where the wife and children, typically symbols of nourishment and liveliness, are subdued "at slammed door and smoker's cough in the hall." There’s an ominous undertone here, as if the man's presence and the household sounds denote tension or unspoken struggles. The "slammed door" evokes a suddenness, perhaps frustration or anger, and "smoker's cough" adds a raw, gritty texture, grounding the scene in daily realities rather than romanticized imagery.

Overall, the stanza offers a snapshot into human complexity within the home—strength shadowed by silence, routine overshadowed by underlying conflict. Seamus Heaney, a master of weaving personal and cultural symbols, here captures the essence of power and its effects in familial relationships without overt explanation, leaving the emotional impact strong and multifaceted. The Celtic cross imagery connects the man not just to his family, but also to heritage, endurance, and the stoic passage of time, reflecting Heaney’s deep intertwining of landscape, identity, and emotion.