Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Assisi by Norman MacCaig: Quotes, Themes, and Analysis for Kids

Open

18

0

R

Rebecca

10/21/2022

English

Assisi theme poster

Assisi by Norman MacCaig: Quotes, Themes, and Analysis for Kids

Assisi by Norman MacCaig is 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 and real-world suffering.

  • The poem critiques religious institutions and tourism for ignoring human suffering.
  • MacCaig uses vivid imagery to describe both the beggar and the tourists, emphasizing their stark differences.
  • Key themes include isolation, capitalism, symbolism, hypocrisy, death, class, pity, and anger.
  • The poet's tone is one of frustration and sympathy towards the beggar's situation.
...

10/21/2022

534

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

21 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

 

English

534

Oct 21, 2022

1 page

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

isolation
•The beggar is left only outside
Whilst the tourists explore the
extravegant church
Outside the three tiers of
Churches
"Sat, Slum

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user