Introduction to Set Text http://www.sqa.org.uk/files_ccc/EnglishCriticalReadingRedactedSQPH.pdf   Page numbers 26-27

Higher Scottish Set Text: Norman MacCaig - “Aunt Julia”

Task 1 - Starter Prior to reading the poem, use AAL to find three different facts about Norman MacCaig. From this information is there anything that suggests why his poetry is still studied in schools today and/or what subjects he focused on in his poetry?

Task 2 – Individual Task Think of somebody older who you enjoy/enjoyed spending time with. Create a list of specific memories you have about them. This could include: - appearance - gestures - sayings - routines

Task 3 – Discussion Task In your groups consider the importance of communication. Discuss the following and anything else you feel is important: What do we need to communicate with one another? How does it feel when you cannot communicate fully? How might you break down this barrier?

Task 4 – Reading Task Read over the “Aunt Julia – Introduction” notes that you have in your Poetry Booklet. Summarise this information in your own words either below the passage or in your notes.

Task 5 – Listening Task Listen to the poem being read aloud twice. On the second reading jot down any words, phrases, images or techniques that stand out.

Structure The poem is an autobiographical poem as it is MacCaig addressing his thoughts and memories of his Aunt. Due to this it adopts a first person narrative stance throughout. Free-verse is used to create a conversational styles and tone and a use of enjambment enhances this. This allows the reader to easily connect with MacCaig, feel his emotion and picture his memories. The poem is split into 5 unequal stanzas. Each stanza focuses on a separate topic: Stanza 1 – Focus on Aunt Julia and communication Stanza 2 – Focus on Aunt Julia’s physical appearance Stanza 3 – Focus on MacCaig’s feelings during his visits Stanza 4 – Focus on Aunt Julia’s association with nature and the elements Stanza 5 – Focus on Aunt Julia’s death and MacCaig’s feelings

Stanza 1 - Textual Analysis Questions Introduction to the character of Aunt Julia, our first impressions of her. 1 a) Comment on the words used and the poet’s use of repetition. b)What feeling does it create? 2)  What is MacCaig’s feelings towards his Aunt Julia? 3) Why couldn’t MacCaig answer her?

Stanza 2 - Textual Analysis Questions We are given an description of Aunt Julia, we see more of her personality. 1) How does MacCaig create a feeling of strength? 2) What does the word “marvellously” suggest about MacCaig’s feelings for his aunt? 3) What does the word nostalgia mean? 4) From this stanza, what do you think Aunt Julia’s interests are? 5) From stanzas 1 and 2 – describe Aunt Julia. 

Stanza 3 - Textual Analysis Questions There is a sense of safety in this stanza. 1) How does he create this feeling? 2) Quote a line from the poem that reinforces this sense of safety. 3) What does “box bed” suggest about the furnishings in the room?

Stanza 4 - Textual Analysis Questions In this stanza we see that Aunt Julia loved nature 1) How does the poet use repetition to bring the character to life in this stanza? 2) What do you think the poet means when he says “threepennybits in a teapot”? 3) What does the word “flouncing” suggest about Aunt Julia? 4) What impression do we get from this stanza? 5) Pick out a feature of imagery and analyse it.

Gaelic, making the gap between them even bigger. Stanza 5 - Textual Analysis Questions In this stanza we realise that Aunt Julia died before the poet learned how to speak Gaelic, making the gap between them even bigger. 1) Why does the final stanza start with a repetition of the opening lines of the poem? 2) What is the significance of the word ‘silenced’? 3) Why does he hear her “with a seagull’s voice”? What does this mean? 4) In what way does the word ‘But’ signify a note of hope at the end of the poem? 5) Who is getting angry? 6) Who is it that has so many questions unanswered?