Norman MacCaig 8 Mark Questions

Commonality (2) Extract (2) Elsewhere (4)

Commonality State/discuss how the focus of the question relates to the extract. State/discuss how the focus of the question relates to another of the poet’s texts. Make a statement about the “big message” of the concept identified in the question.

Commonality In Visiting Hour, MacCaig deals with the loss and how difficult it is to deal with the death of a loved one. Similarly, he deals with loss in Memorial. In this poem he shows how it is impossible to forget the loss of someone close to you, and difficult to move on. Overall, MacCaig suggests that loss is something that we will all have to deal with at some stage in our lives.

I would advise doing two detailed just in case. Extract Make one detailed comment with reference to the extract/poem printed in the exam paper. I would advise doing two detailed just in case.

Extract In Visiting Hour, the speaker is so consumed with fear of the loss of his loved one that it affects how he perceives everything in the hospital. This is evident with the word choice: ‘what seemed a corpse’ and he sees death and loss everywhere.

Elsewhere Discuss in detail two further examples relevant to the question from the wider text/other poems plus quote/reference to support

Elsewhere In Memorial, the all consuming, all pervading nature of loss in the death of a loved one is shown in the repetition of ‘Everywhere she dies’. This emphasises how deeply this death has affected the speaker and that he cannot escape the memory of her death, no matter where he goes or how hard he tries. In addition, despite passage of time, the speaker’s life is now a ‘memorial’ devoted to her memory where he states ‘I am her sad music’. This again shows the deep and painful emotional impact that her death has had on him and again how her death and memory follows and haunts him.

Visiting Hour - Example By referring to this poem, and at least one other by MacCaig, discuss how he uses contrast in his work. 8

In Visiting Hour, MacCaig deals with the loss and how difficult it is to deal with the death of a loved one. Similarly, he deals with loss in Memorial. In this poem he shows how it is impossible to forget the loss of someone close to you, and difficult to move on. Overall, MacCaig suggests that loss is something that we will all have to deal with at some stage in our lives.

Aunt Julia - Specimen MacCaig often observes people or places in his poetry. Referring closely to this poem and to at least one other poem by MacCaig, show how MacCaig uses observation of people or places in his poems. 8

In Aunt Julia, MacCaig shares his observations and experiences of his memorable aunt from his childhood to exemplify the force of life that she was. Similarly, he observes a number of people in Assisi. In this poem he shows how people are not necessarily what they seem at first with some being hypocrites and others having unseen value or qualities. Overall, MacCaig’s observations of people illustrate his personal experiences and thoughts on how humans interact.

Basking Shark - 2014 MacCaig often describes his personal experiences in his poetry, using these to explore wider themes. Referring closely to this poem and to at least one other poem by MacCaig, show how he uses personal experience to explore wider themes. 8

In Basking Shark, MacCaig shares his personal experience of his encounter with a basking shark to explore the wider theme of humanity and the consequences of our actions. Similarly, he shares his personal experience of visiting Italy in Assisi. In this poem he explores the wider theme of humanity and how we, as humans, treat and prejudge others. Overall, MacCaig’s personal experiences allow him to explore issues that are important to him and comment on the behaviour of humanity.

Visiting Hour - 2015 MacCaig often uses imagery in his poems. Referring closely to this poem and at least one other poem by MacCaig, show how he uses imagery effectively. 8

Sounds of the Day - 2016 By referring to this poem, and to at least one other by MacCaig, show how strong feelings are a feature of his poetry. 8