Hotel Room, 12th Floor: Stanza 3

‘Hotel Room, 12th Floor: Stanza 3’

CONTEXT

• This stanza is from the poem “Hotel Room, 12th Floor” written by Scottish poet, Norman MacCaig.
• The poem reflects MacCaig’s experiences during a visit to New York.
• The poet showcases American society during the time, from his viewpoint on the 12th floor of a hotel room.

THEMES

• The dangerous underbelly of city life is described, highlighting societal problems such as crime and fear.
• MacCaig uses the cityscape of New York to discuss the escapism that is often sought in urban life.

STRUCTURE AND STYLE

• MacCaig skilfully uses the juxtaposition of the nighttime cityscape and the dawn’s quietness, showcasing the contradiction of life lived in the city.
• The free verse form of the poem allows the poet’s thoughts to flow unimpeded, much like the city’s constant activity.

IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM

• The lights going out, represent the falling curtain over the disturbing reality that the poet witnessed at night.
• The broken bottle “like a mythical figure” symbolises the menacing threat lurking in the city streets.

LANGUAGE

• The dawn’s break is described as “uncivilised” highlighting the poet’s perspective that even in the break of day, the city possesses an underlying savagery.
• The word “warriors” suggests a battle taking place on the city streets, further highlighting the impression of danger and lawlessness.

SUMMARY

• The third stanza in “Hotel Room, 12th Floor” provides an interesting glimpse into MacCaig’s view of American society. He employs vivid imagery and thoughtful language use to contrast the city’s tranquillity at dawn with the threatening activity by night.
• The stanza effectively provides an exploration of city life, engaging themes of danger, societal problems, and escapism.