Assisi: Stanza 3
Assisi: Stanza 3
‘Assisi’: Stanza 3 - Theme - Human Relationships
Complex Metaphor
- The third stanza introduces a complex metaphor of a dwarf who symbolises those marginalised by society.
- MacCaig’s description of the dwarf as “three tiers of notched and stacked up scars, like a wedding cake of misery” highlights the layers of struggle and hardship faced by the ignored fringes of society.
Sensory Imagery
- The poet employs sensory imagery to emphasise the stark distinction between the dwarf’s outward condition and his inner richness.
- The description of the dwarf’s voice as being “as sweet as a child’s when she speaks to her mother”, suggests a gentle, tender nature beneath the grotesque exterior.
Symbolic Interpretation
- An interpretation of “the softness of his voice” being busy with “the traffic of the world”, could reflect MacCaig’s view that those considered ugly or worthless by society often possess deep wisdom or kindness.
- The phrase “a voice that was busy with the traffic of the world” potentially symbolises the dwarf’s engagement with the world – a stark contrast to the tourists who neglect to acknowledge him.
The Power of Perspective
- Stanza three explores perspective, illustrating how society’s view of wealth and beauty is skewed. The dwarf, despite his physical deformity, is presented as more humanised and worthy of attention than the studying tourists.
- Perspective is further investigated through the lines “but for theirs. The three tiers of notched and stacked up scars”, showing that it is society’s gaze that scars and damages the dwarf, not his physical condition.
Summary
- The third stanza of MacCaig’s “Assisi” presents the beggar as an embodiment of the downtrodden and marginalised. Through metaphor, sensory imagery, and exploration of perspective, the poet strives to reveal the stark hypocrisy of society which worships aesthetic beauty and wealth but turns a blind eye to the human richness and kindness contained within those deemed ‘ugly’ or ‘worthless’.