Visiting Hour Flashcards
Key themes of Visiting Hour
Isolation
Death
STANZA 1
“green and yellow corridors”
colour of vomit suggesting that MacCaig may feel sick with worry on his way to visit his wife. Typical hospital colours which are dismal and dull which reflects the feelings of MacCaig.
STANZA 2
“What seems a corpse is trundled into a lift and vanishes heavenward”
Enjambment. Theme of death
‘trundled’ is a mechanical word which suggests there has been a lack of respect for that person. Poet cant escape the subject of death. Highlights that the poets thoughts are preoccupied with death. “vanishes heavenward” gives the idea that the hospital is connected to heaven which is almost amusing
STANZA 1
” hospital smell combs my nostrils as they go bobbing along”
A possible strong typical smell of disinfectant. “ go bobbing along” Personification which emphasises his sense of smell is heightened. An attempt to enlighten to detach himself.
STANZA 3
” I will not feel, I will not
feel, until
I have to”
Enjambment. Repetition of ‘ I will not ‘suggests that MacCaig is trying to put off his feelings until he has to for as long as possible. Realisation/ fear of his wife dying as it is too painful. Suggests that the pain is too much to handle. Trying hard to control emotions
STANZA 4
“Nurses walk lightly, swiftly, here and up and down and there”
Conveys the efficiency of the nurses and that they are always busy. Emphasises the never ending work nurses do. Highlights how much tragedy is everywhere.
STANZA 4
” slender waists miraculously carrying their burden “
Poet is in awe of the nurses that they can control their emotions. ‘Miraculously’ continued metaphor of nurses as angels. MacCaig is impressed with the work of the nurses.
STANZA 4
” so much pain, so many deaths, their eyes still clear after so many farewells”
Trying to emphasise how much tragedy there is. Contrast between poet and nurses in which he clearly struggles to control his emotions.
STANZA 5
” Ward 7. “
A pause suggesting that he has hesitated outside. Poet trying to compose himself before going in.
STANZA 5
“She lies in a white cave of forgetfulness”
Effectively highlights the patients isolation
STANZA 5
” A withered hand trembles on its stalk “
Metaphor. Highlights her weakness and fragility. She is being compared to a dying flower. Emphasises that her hand is wasted because of illness. Theme of death
STANZA 5
” Eyelids to heavy
To raise “
Notice structure of line it comes down on heavy reflecting the heaviness of the eyelids. Suggests her poor condition. Too ill
STANZA 5
” a glass fang is fixed, not guzzling but giving “
Imagery. Drip is being conveyed as a vampire. Highlights her helplessness. Shows she is heavily sedated
STANZA 5
” distance of pain that neither she nor I can cross “
Pain creates a communication barrier or obstacle. Communication is almost impossible. He cannot experience this pain with her. Distances them from each other due to different experiences
STANZA 6
” she smiles a little at this black figure in her white cave “
MacCaig in his wife’s eyes has become the Angel of death. ‘black figure in white cave’ ~ image of grim reaper. Contrast between black figure with the frailty of the ailing patient
