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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
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2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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English
9 Dec 2025
1,696
3 pages
aimee๐๐ @x7aimee7x
Ever wondered what it's really like to look down on a big city at night? Norman MacCaig's "Hotel... Show more
MacCaig starts as a passive observer, watching New York's famous skyline during the day. But his word choices reveal growing unease - the helicopter "skirting like a damaged insect" suggests something suspicious and broken about this technological marvel.
The Empire State Building becomes a "jumbo size dentist's drill" - a brilliant metaphor that transforms America's symbol of wealth and power into something painful and frightening. This shows MacCaig's disapproval of the "bigger is better" American mentality and hints at the suffering hidden beneath the glamour.
When midnight arrives "from foreign places", the poem's tone shifts dramatically. The darkness is personified as "uncivilised" - like a dangerous stranger bringing chaos. The "million lit windows" create a battle between light and dark, symbolising the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Key Insight The crossword puzzle image of "ups and acrosses" suggests MacCaig is trying to solve the mystery of what's really happening in this city below.
Here's where MacCaig reveals the harsh truth - "midnight is not so easily defeated." From his bed, surrounded by technology (radio and TV), he tries to shut out what's happening on the streets below, but he can't escape it.
The "wildest of warwhoops" transforms modern sirens into Native American battle cries, creating MacCaig's clever extended Wild West metaphor. The streets become "glittering canyons and gulches" where violent battles rage, just like in America's brutal past.
MacCaig uses synecdoche - reducing people to "broken bones," "harsh screaming," and "blood glazed on sidewalks." This technique strips away humanity, showing how violence dehumanises both victims and society. The "coldwater flats" represent urban poverty, suggesting wealth and suffering exist side by side.
Reality Check The poem suggests that despite all our technological advances, we're no more civilised than our ancestors - the violence has just moved to different battlegrounds.
MacCaig delivers his devastating conclusion in just three powerful lines. "The frontier is never somewhere else" means that the battle between civilisation and savagery isn't happening in some distant place - it's right here, right now, in every society.
The "stockades" metaphor completes the Wild West imagery. Just as wooden barriers couldn't keep out attackers in the frontier days, our modern defences - wealth, technology, tall buildings - can't keep evil out of human society.
This pessimistic ending suggests that no matter how advanced we become, we can't escape our basic violent instincts. MacCaig feels isolated and helpless, recognising that the "dark side of humanity" will always exist.
Deep Truth The poem's real power lies in MacCaig's realisation that evil isn't something external we can fight - it's part of human nature itself.
Key Themes The human condition, the illusion of progress, urban violence, and the thin line between civilisation and chaos. Like his other poems, MacCaig questions whether humanity can truly overcome its primitive, destructive impulses.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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
aimee๐๐
@x7aimee7x
Ever wondered what it's really like to look down on a big city at night? Norman MacCaig's "Hotel Room, 12th Floor" takes you on a journey from tourist excitement to dark realisation about human nature, all from a New York... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
MacCaig starts as a passive observer, watching New York's famous skyline during the day. But his word choices reveal growing unease - the helicopter "skirting like a damaged insect" suggests something suspicious and broken about this technological marvel.
The Empire State Building becomes a "jumbo size dentist's drill" - a brilliant metaphor that transforms America's symbol of wealth and power into something painful and frightening. This shows MacCaig's disapproval of the "bigger is better" American mentality and hints at the suffering hidden beneath the glamour.
When midnight arrives "from foreign places", the poem's tone shifts dramatically. The darkness is personified as "uncivilised" - like a dangerous stranger bringing chaos. The "million lit windows" create a battle between light and dark, symbolising the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Key Insight: The crossword puzzle image of "ups and acrosses" suggests MacCaig is trying to solve the mystery of what's really happening in this city below.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's where MacCaig reveals the harsh truth - "midnight is not so easily defeated." From his bed, surrounded by technology (radio and TV), he tries to shut out what's happening on the streets below, but he can't escape it.
The "wildest of warwhoops" transforms modern sirens into Native American battle cries, creating MacCaig's clever extended Wild West metaphor. The streets become "glittering canyons and gulches" where violent battles rage, just like in America's brutal past.
MacCaig uses synecdoche - reducing people to "broken bones," "harsh screaming," and "blood glazed on sidewalks." This technique strips away humanity, showing how violence dehumanises both victims and society. The "coldwater flats" represent urban poverty, suggesting wealth and suffering exist side by side.
Reality Check: The poem suggests that despite all our technological advances, we're no more civilised than our ancestors - the violence has just moved to different battlegrounds.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
MacCaig delivers his devastating conclusion in just three powerful lines. "The frontier is never somewhere else" means that the battle between civilisation and savagery isn't happening in some distant place - it's right here, right now, in every society.
The "stockades" metaphor completes the Wild West imagery. Just as wooden barriers couldn't keep out attackers in the frontier days, our modern defences - wealth, technology, tall buildings - can't keep evil out of human society.
This pessimistic ending suggests that no matter how advanced we become, we can't escape our basic violent instincts. MacCaig feels isolated and helpless, recognising that the "dark side of humanity" will always exist.
Deep Truth: The poem's real power lies in MacCaig's realisation that evil isn't something external we can fight - it's part of human nature itself.
Key Themes: The human condition, the illusion of progress, urban violence, and the thin line between civilisation and chaos. Like his other poems, MacCaig questions whether humanity can truly overcome its primitive, destructive impulses.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
33
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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
Sociology