Higher Textual Analysis Final Question – 10 marks Norman MacCaig

Purpose of Question The 10 mark question at the end of the Textual Analysis paper requires you to compare the poem printed in the paper with another poem/s you have studied. The question will provide you with an area of commonality as a focus for this.

Answer Structure 2 marks for “commonality” Statement about first text which describes how it fits the question Statement about the other text(s) which describes how they fit the question OVERARCHING STATEMENT 2 marks for dealing with poem given 2x reference and comment 0 marks reference only/ 1 mark per reference and comment/ 2 marks for extensive comment 6 marks for dealing with other texts 6x reference and comment Up to 2 marks can be achieved for identifying elements of commonality as identified in the question, ie how emotional conflict within an individual is explored. A further 2 marks can be achieved for reference to the text given.

Exemplar 10 Mark Question Show how the theme of isolation is developed in this poem and at least one other Visiting Hour is the poem in exam paper. Step 1 – 2 marks awarded for commonality (what the poems have in common with the question) In Visiting Hour MacCaig explores the theme of isolation through striking words and imagery. MacCaig creates a picture of a speaker who is dealing with the potential death of a loved one in hospital. = 1 mark In Assisi MacCaig explores the theme of isolation through striking words and imagery. Throughout the poem he describes a deformed beggar sitting outside a magnificent church, being ignored by both tourists and priests. = 1 mark

Given Text 2 marks for dealing with poem given 2x reference and comment 0 marks reference only/ 1 mark per reference and comment/ 2 marks for extensive comment Visiting Hour ‘Growing fainter, not smaller’ MacCaig uses word choicehere to demonstrate the isolation that both the patient and speaker feel. He refers to ‘fainter’ which suggests the patient is getting closer to death and is beginning to fade from the world that the speaker inhabits. However, this is counteracted with ‘not smaller’, which suggests that while her life is draining from her, her body remains and he feels isolated as he can do nothing to prevent this. This word choice is effective in demonstrating the feelings of isolation that the speaker experiences. = 1 mark Repeat x1

Other text/s 6 marks for dealing with other texts 6x reference and comment 0 marks reference only/ 1 mark per reference and comment/ 2 marks for extensive comment Assisi ‘It was they who had passed the ruined temple outside’ here MacCaig is illustrating how the priest and the tourists ignore the beggar through his use of imagery. Just as a ruined temple is ignored, neglected and left alone, so is the beggar neglected and ignored by the people who should offer compassion and kindness. Therefore MacCaig highlights that the beggar is isolated in this environment as despite teaching the word of St Francis, nobody notices that he is in need of support. This is a clear example of how MacCaig has used imagery to convey his theme of isolation. = 1 mark (maybe 2) Repeat x6

Examples of 10 mark questions Duffy ‘Valentine’ – By referring to this and at least one other poem, discuss how effective Duffy is in challenging pre-conceived views. ‘War Photographer’ – Referring closely to this poem and to at least one other poem by Duffy, discuss how she explores the link between the past and the present. MacCaig ‘Sounds of the Day’ – By referring to this poem and at least one other by Norman MacCaig, discuss his use of contrast to explore theme in his work. ‘Memorial’ – by referring to this poem and to at least one other by Norman MacCaig, discuss his exploration of deeply emotional situation.