Stanza 2: Awe and Prehistoric Connections

In the second stanza, Norman MacCaig deepens the exploration of the encounter with the basking shark. The poet's choice of words creates a vivid image of the scene, with the sea described as "tin-tacked with rain," using alliteration to replicate the metallic sound of raindrops hitting the boat.

Example: The phrase "sea tin-tacked with rain" creates an auditory image, helping readers imagine the setting more vividly.

MacCaig employs a striking contrast in the line "That roomsized monster with a matchbox brain." This juxtaposition of size descriptors emphasizes the shark's enormous body while highlighting its relatively small brain, adding a layer of complexity to the creature's portrayal.

Definition: Juxtaposition - The act of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.

The stanza also reveals a shift in the speaker's perspective. While initially implying a reluctance to repeat the experience, the line "But not too often - though enough" suggests a newfound appreciation for the encounter, recognizing its value despite the initial shock.

Highlight: This stanza marks the beginning of the speaker's transformation, moving from fear to a more nuanced understanding of the experience.

Stanza 4: Clarity and Self-Discovery

In the fourth stanza of Norman MacCaig's "Basking Shark", the poet uses the metaphor of water clearing to represent a moment of profound realization and self-discovery. This stanza marks a significant shift in the speaker's perspective, moving from shock and displacement to a deeper understanding of his place in the natural world.

Quote: "Swish up the dirt and, when it settles, a spring / Is all the clearer. I saw me, in one fling, / Emerging from the slime of everything."

The imagery of dirt being swished up and then settling to reveal clearer water is a powerful representation of the mental process the speaker undergoes. Initially, the encounter with the shark stirred up confusion and unsettling thoughts, but as these settle, a clearer understanding emerges.

Example: Just as muddy water becomes clear when it settles, the speaker's thoughts become more lucid after the initial shock of the encounter.

The word "emerging" is particularly significant, suggesting a kind of rebirth or new self-awareness. By connecting himself to the "slime of everything," the speaker acknowledges his evolutionary origins and his fundamental connection to all life forms, including the basking shark.

Highlight: This stanza represents the climax of the speaker's internal journey, where the encounter with the shark leads to a profound moment of self-realization and connection with nature.

Page 6: Final Reflection

The concluding page presents the poem's central question about the nature of monstrousness and humanity's place in the natural world.

Quote: "So who's the monster?"

Highlight: The final stanza uses sailing imagery to describe the shark's departure, suggesting grace rather than menace

The conclusion challenges readers to reconsider their own assumptions about nature and humanity's relationship with prehistoric creatures.