Memorial: Overview

Memorial: Overview

‘Memorial’: Overview

General Context

• “Memorial” is an elegy written by the Scottish poet Norman MacCaig, highly regarded for his keen observations of nature and people.
• The poem is a tribute to MacCaig’s beloved friend Edwin Muir, a significant Scottish poet and translator, who passed away in 1959.

Setting

• The setting isn’t explicitly stated, but MacCaig reflects on Edwin Muir’s life and influence, creating an atmosphere of love, respect, and mourning.
• The overall tone suggests a quiet, private space of reflection, such as the writer’s mind or study.

Speaker and Tone

• The speaker is MacCaig himself, sharing his personal feelings of grief, admiration, and the profound impact Muir had on him.
• The tone is solemn and reverent, hinting at the sorrow of loss but also the awe brought about by Muir’s life and work.

Themes

• Main themes in “Memorial” include death, remembrance, influence and legacy.
• MacCaig explores the concept of immortality through a loved one’s influence and the lasting power of their words and works.

Imagery and Language

• MacCaig makes use of striking imagery to emphasise his respect for Muir and to express his grief: the language used is vivid and evocative.
• The poem is full of metaphysical conceits, comparing Edwin’s words to elements of nature, thus accentuating their power, timelessness, and beauty.

Summary

• “Memorial” is a heartfelt homage to Edwin Muir, encapsulating MacCaig’s profound respect for his friend and his grief at his loss.
• Through his sensitive and vividly descriptive language, MacCaig immortalises not just Muir’s life, but also his enduring impact on MacCaig and the literary world.