Basking Shark Flashcards
What are the key themes in the poem?
Hypocrisy,
Reflection (on the natural world, humanity’s place in it, and our undeserved superiority),
Isolation (isolates the shark by calling it a ‘monster’, man is isolated from nature, he is isolated by the location and the experience),
Evolution (all life evolves from the same primordial soup, all creatures are connected, relationship between man and nature).
What is the context behind the poem?
MacCaig is alone on a rowing boat in the NW of Scotland far from shore and unexpectedly hits his oor on a shark. At first it worries / shocks him, but then he reflects. Basking sharks are one of the largest species of sharks, and despite their size, pose no real danger to humans.
What is the context behind the poem?
MacCaig is alone on a rowing boat in the NW of Scotland far from shore and unexpectedly hits his oar on a shark. At first it worries / shocks him, but then he reflects. Basking sharks are one of the largest species of sharks, and despite their size, pose no real danger to humans.
A sharp unexpected pain. He becomes distorted because he thinks he’s hitting something still / solid.
“to stub”
He’s isolated / middle of nowhere, shocked / confused, but later realises HE’S in the wrong place.
“where none should be”
Anaphora helps to create tension. Trying to help the reader picture it. It’s a continuous motion as if it’s still in his thoughts.
“to stub/to have”
Objectifying the shark, not even an animal.
“it”
Onomatopoeia and sibilance to emphasis the lack of deliberate threat the shark poses.
“slounge out of the sea”
The experience is undefinable / indescribable.
“a thing”
Parenthesis as mild humour, suggesting he does not want to repeat the experience.
“(too often)”
Indicates a change in MacCaig’s thoughts, suggests the experience wasn’t wasted as it prompted reflection.
“but not too often”
Experience has become positive, a boon.
“i count as gain”
Suggests a meeting of equals.
“i met”
Dental sounds mimic the sound of rain on sea.
“tin-tacked”
The shark is so big it takes up his entire view, suggests it is intimidating.
“the roomsized monster”
