Page 7: Detailed Language Analysis and Interpretation

Stanza-by-Stanza Language Analysis

Stanza 1

The opening stanza sets the scene with vivid, unsettling imagery:

"The dwarf with his hands on backwards sat, slumped like a half-filled sack on tiny twisted legs from which sawdust might run,"

Vocabulary: Imagery - Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

The use of the word "dwarf" immediately creates a sense of otherness. The phrase "hands on backwards" suggests a severe deformity, while the simile "slumped like a half-filled sack" dehumanizes the beggar, reducing him to an object. The image of "sawdust" running from his legs further emphasizes his perceived lack of humanity.

Stanza 2

This stanza shifts focus to the priest and the frescoes:

"A priest explained how clever it was of Giotto to make his frescoes tell stories that would reveal to the illiterate the goodness of God and the suffering of His Son."

The irony here is palpable. While the frescoes depict the suffering of Christ, the actual suffering of the beggar outside goes unnoticed. The priest's focus on the "cleverness" of the art rather than its spiritual message highlights the superficiality of religious tourism.

Highlight: The contrast between the artistic depiction of suffering and the real suffering outside the church is a key element of MacCaig's critique in "Assisi".

Stanza 3

The third stanza introduces the tourists:

"A rush of tourists, clucking contentedly, fluttered after him as he scattered the grain of the Word."

The animal imagery here is striking. By comparing the tourists to chickens, MacCaig suggests they are mindlessly consuming information without true understanding or compassion.

Stanza 4

The final stanza returns to the beggar, but with a shift in tone:

"whose lopsided mouth said Grazie in a voice as sweet as a child's when she speaks to her mother or a bird's when it spoke to St Francis."

This stanza humanizes the beggar, contrasting sharply with the earlier descriptions. The simile comparing his voice to a child's or a bird's creates a sense of innocence and purity, ironically aligning the beggar more closely with St. Francis than the tourists or priest.

Interpretation of Key Themes

1. Religious Hypocrisy: The poem critiques the gap between religious teachings and practices. The grand churches and beautiful art stand in stark contrast to the neglected beggar, embodying the very values these religious symbols are meant to represent.

2. Social Inequality: The contrast between the opulent churches and the suffering beggar highlights broader issues of social injustice and inequality.

3. Superficiality vs. Genuine Faith: The tourists' and priest's focus on art and architecture rather than human suffering is presented as a shallow understanding of religious principles.

4. Human Dignity: Despite initial dehumanizing descriptions, the poem ultimately affirms the beggar's humanity and spiritual worth, challenging readers to reconsider their own perceptions and prejudices.

Quote: "What is the theme of Assisi MacCaig?" The central theme is the critique of religious hypocrisy and the disconnect between professed Christian values and actual treatment of the poor and suffering.

By exploring these themes through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, MacCaig creates a powerful commentary on religion, society, and human nature in "Assisi".

Page 8: Critical Perspectives and Interpretations

Various Interpretations of "Assisi"

1. Religious Critique: Many critics view "Assisi" as a direct criticism of organized religion, particularly the Catholic Church. The poem highlights the gap between the church's teachings of compassion and the reality of how the poor are treated.

2. Social Commentary: Some interpret the poem as a broader critique of social inequality and the tendency of society to ignore or overlook those who are suffering.

3. Exploration of Human Nature: Another perspective sees the poem as an examination of human nature, particularly our capacity for both compassion and indifference.

4. Artistic Commentary: Some critics focus on MacCaig's critique of the commercialization of art and religion, as exemplified by the tourists' superficial interest in the frescoes.

Highlight: The multiple layers of interpretation in "Assisi" demonstrate MacCaig's skill in crafting a poem that resonates on various levels, from personal to societal.

Critical Responses

Critics have praised MacCaig's use of vivid imagery and his ability to convey complex ideas through seemingly simple observations. The poem's structure, moving from the beggar to the priest and tourists and back to the beggar, has been noted for its effectiveness in building the poem's argument.

Some critics have drawn parallels between "Assisi" and works by other poets who critique religious hypocrisy, such as William Blake's "London" or Philip Larkin's "Church Going."

Example: Like Blake in "London," MacCaig in "Assisi" uses the technique of juxtaposition to highlight social and religious contradictions.

Contextualizing "Assisi" in MacCaig's Work

"Assisi" is often seen as one of MacCaig's more overtly political poems, though it maintains his characteristic observational style and use of vivid imagery.

Quote: "What topics did Norman MacCaig write about?" MacCaig often wrote about nature, human relationships, and social issues, with "Assisi" being a prime example of his engagement with societal critique.

The poem's themes of contrast and irony are consistent with MacCaig's broader body of work. For instance, the contrast between appearance and reality in "Assisi" can be compared to the contrast between human and animal nature in "Basking Shark".

Contemporary Relevance

The themes explored in "Assisi" remain relevant in contemporary society:

1. The gap between religious teachings and practices continues to be a topic of debate.
2. Social inequality and the treatment of marginalized individuals are ongoing societal issues.
3. The commercialization of religion and art, as depicted in the poem, is still prevalent today.

Vocabulary: Marginalized - Treated as insignificant or peripheral.

The poem's enduring relevance contributes to its continued study and appreciation in literature courses and beyond.