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21 Oct 2022
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Assisi by Norman MacCaig: Quotes, Themes, and Analysis for Kids
R
Rebecca
@rebecca_zbyc
Key Themes and Analysis of Assisi by Norman MacCaig
Norman MacCaig's poem "Assisi" presents a stark contrast between religious grandeur and human suffering, exploring several interconnected themes:
Isolation and Poverty
The poem opens with a powerful image of isolation:
Quote: "Sat, slumped like a half-filled sack"
This description of the beggar emphasizes his destitution and separation from society. He remains outside the "three tiers of churches," symbolizing his exclusion from both spiritual and material comfort.
Capitalism and Hypocrisy
MacCaig critiques the commercialization of religion:
Highlight: The priest is shown "explaining how clever it was of Giotto," focusing on art and architecture rather than addressing human suffering.
This juxtaposition reveals the hypocrisy of religious institutions that prioritize material wealth over compassion.
Symbolism and Imagery
The poem uses rich symbolism to convey its message:
Example: Tourists are described as "clucking contentedly," likening them to chickens, while the beggar is compared to a "half-filled sack."
These contrasting images emphasize the dehumanization of the poor and the obliviousness of the privileged.
Death and Suffering
The beggar's physical condition is described in harrowing detail:
Quote: "Whose eyes wept pus, whose back was higher than his head, whose hands on backwards"
This vivid imagery underscores the proximity of death and the extreme suffering endured by the beggar.
Class Divide
MacCaig explores the stark class differences between the tourists and the beggar, highlighting societal inequalities.
Anger and Frustration
The poet's tone conveys a sense of anger and frustration towards the situation:
Highlight: "It was they who passed the ruined temple outside"
This line emphasizes the tourists' and priest's willful ignorance of human suffering.
Sympathy and Pity
While critiquing society, MacCaig evokes sympathy for the beggar:
Quote: "He had the advantage of not being dead yet"
This sardonic observation underscores the beggar's dire circumstances and elicits pity from the reader.
Religion and Morality
The poem questions the true meaning of religious teachings:
Quote: "A priest explained how clever it was to reveal to the illiterate the goodness of God"
MacCaig contrasts this explanation with the reality of the suffering beggar, challenging the church's priorities.
In conclusion, "Assisi" by Norman MacCaig is a powerful critique of religious hypocrisy and social inequality. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, the poem encourages readers to reflect on the true meaning of compassion and the responsibilities of both religious institutions and individuals in addressing human suffering.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Assisi by Norman MacCaig: Quotes, Themes, and Analysis for Kids
R
Rebecca
@rebecca_zbyc
Assisi by Norman MacCaigis a powerful poem that explores themes of poverty, hypocrisy, and social inequality. The poem contrasts the opulence of a church in Assisi with the plight of a beggar outside, highlighting the disconnect between religious ideals... Show more
Key Themes and Analysis of Assisi by Norman MacCaig
Norman MacCaig's poem "Assisi" presents a stark contrast between religious grandeur and human suffering, exploring several interconnected themes:
Isolation and Poverty
The poem opens with a powerful image of isolation:
Quote: "Sat, slumped like a half-filled sack"
This description of the beggar emphasizes his destitution and separation from society. He remains outside the "three tiers of churches," symbolizing his exclusion from both spiritual and material comfort.
Capitalism and Hypocrisy
MacCaig critiques the commercialization of religion:
Highlight: The priest is shown "explaining how clever it was of Giotto," focusing on art and architecture rather than addressing human suffering.
This juxtaposition reveals the hypocrisy of religious institutions that prioritize material wealth over compassion.
Symbolism and Imagery
The poem uses rich symbolism to convey its message:
Example: Tourists are described as "clucking contentedly," likening them to chickens, while the beggar is compared to a "half-filled sack."
These contrasting images emphasize the dehumanization of the poor and the obliviousness of the privileged.
Death and Suffering
The beggar's physical condition is described in harrowing detail:
Quote: "Whose eyes wept pus, whose back was higher than his head, whose hands on backwards"
This vivid imagery underscores the proximity of death and the extreme suffering endured by the beggar.
Class Divide
MacCaig explores the stark class differences between the tourists and the beggar, highlighting societal inequalities.
Anger and Frustration
The poet's tone conveys a sense of anger and frustration towards the situation:
Highlight: "It was they who passed the ruined temple outside"
This line emphasizes the tourists' and priest's willful ignorance of human suffering.
Sympathy and Pity
While critiquing society, MacCaig evokes sympathy for the beggar:
Quote: "He had the advantage of not being dead yet"
This sardonic observation underscores the beggar's dire circumstances and elicits pity from the reader.
Religion and Morality
The poem questions the true meaning of religious teachings:
Quote: "A priest explained how clever it was to reveal to the illiterate the goodness of God"
MacCaig contrasts this explanation with the reality of the suffering beggar, challenging the church's priorities.
In conclusion, "Assisi" by Norman MacCaig is a powerful critique of religious hypocrisy and social inequality. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, the poem encourages readers to reflect on the true meaning of compassion and the responsibilities of both religious institutions and individuals in addressing human suffering.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user