In the opening line of "ward 7", the minor sentence abruptly shows that he has arrived at the ward.
Metaphor and Isolation
The metaphor "white cave" visually compares her cubicle to a cave and highlights her isolation from the world. This metaphor visually conveys her sense of seclusion.
Emotional Distance
The metaphor "distance of pain" suggests that her illness prevents emotional closeness in their relationships.
Olfactory Imagery and Vivid Scene
The phrase "hospital smell" includes olfactory imagery that makes the scene more vivid and helps the reader experience the setting more fully.
Word Choice and Implications
The word "fainter" suggests that he is disappearing from her view, conveying a sense of lightheadedness from the visit. It also hints at the underlying theme of death and loss.
Repetition and Meaning
The repetition of "I will not feel, I will not feel" mimics a mantra, indicating the speaker's attempt to calm himself in the face of his emotions, highlighting the theme of caring and concern for his friend.
Fear and Symbolism
The theme of fear is highlighted through the phrase "round swimming waves of a bell", which conveys confusion and torment at the situation.
Oxymoron and Symbollism
The phrase "Fruitless fruits" includes an oxymoron that suggests the fruit is pointless and a symbolism that it will decay, highlighting the central concerns of futility and mortality.
Contrast and Symbolism
The contrast between the "black figure" and the "white cave" emphasizes the themes of life and death, health and illness. The whiteness of her environment implies a sense of purity and finality.
Horror and Symbolism
The metaphor "glass fang" compares a needle to a vampire, suggesting that life is being drained and conveying a sense of horror, intensifying the theme of fear and death.
In conclusion, Norman MacCaig's "Visiting Hour" delves into the themes of isolation, emotional distance, fear, and mortality, using various literary devices to convey the speaker's emotional turmoil. This analysis provides an insight into the nuances and complexities of the poem, making it an essential piece for a deeper understanding of MacCaig's work.
