1. Higher Textual Analysis Final Question – 10 marks Carol Ann Duffy & Norman MacCaig

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Exemplar 10 Mark Question
Discuss how the poet uses striking words and imagery to explore a deeper theme in their poetry.
Havisham is the poem in exam paper.
Assisi is the poem in the exam paper.
Step 1 – 2 marks awarded for commonality (what the poems have in common with the question)
In Havisham Duffy explores the theme of loss through striking words and imagery. Duffy creates a picture of a woman who has never been able to overcome the loss of her husband-to-be and the potential life she could have led. = 1 mark
In Assisi MacCaig explores the theme of hypocrisy 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

5. Commonality Continued
In the dramatic monologue Anne Hathaway Duffy captures the impact of the loss of her beloved husband, Shakespeare. Through imagery, comparing their physical relationship to poetic technique, she tries to capture and keep her memory of him.
In Basking Shark MacCaig again uses description of an observation to reflect upon the importance of humanity and its place in the world. He encounters a basking shark which makes him think about how humanity and nature interact.
Plus 1 more if using a third poem
+ overarching statement to draw all 3 poems together
In all three poems, Duffy explores the theme of loss through her effective use of striking words and imagery.
In all three poems, MacCaig describes his observation of people and places to explore wider themes.
= 1 mark

6. 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
Havisham
‘Beloved sweetheart bastard’ Duffy uses an oxymoron here to demonstrate Havisham’s extreme emotion at the loss of her husband-to-be. She is conflicted. She refers to him as her ‘beloved sweetheart’ which suggests she still loves and cares for the man who left her at the alter. However, this is counteracted with ‘bastard’, a term which shows a hatred of the same man. This opposing word choice is effective in demonstrating what loss has done to Havisham. = 1 mark
Repeat x1

7. 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
Basking Shark
‘Swish up the dirt, and when it settles, a spring is all the clearer’ here MacCaig is comparing his thoughts on humanity to a spring. Just as a spring becomes muddied and unclear when it is disturbed, so MacCaig’s previous thoughts on humanity’s place in the world are turned upside down. However, he continues the comparison to say that when the spring ‘settles’, he has time to think about his experience, his thoughts become clear and he has a new outlook on humanity’s place in the world. This is a clear example of how MacCaig has used imagery to convey his theme. = 1 mark (maybe 2)
Repeat x6

8. 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.