Shores: Form and Structure

Shores: Form and Structure

“Shores”: Form and Structure

Form of the Poem

• “Shores” is structured as one continuous and uninterrupted free verse, which allows MacLean to express his thoughts fluidly.
• The lack of a strict metre or rhyme scheme mimics the unpredictable and unending nature of MacLean’s grief and longing.

Line Length and Enjambment

• The varying line lengths and use of enjambment (running lines on without punctuation) convey a sense of instability, echoing the poet’s emotional turmoil.
• Unexpected line breaks and punctuation within lines can be seen as MacLean’s attempt to convey the interrupted flow of his thoughts.

Stanzaic Structure

• The absence of distinct stanza breaks presents the poem as a single, overwhelming wave of emotion. This structure reflects the continuity of the poet’s recurring memories and yearnings.

Repetition and Refrain

• MacLean employs repetition of phrases, such as “How often” and “the shores of the mind”, to emphasise the intensity and constancy of his feelings.
• The recurring refrain, “the shores of the mind”, serves to anchor the poem’s sentiments and adds to the motif of an unceasing tide of emotions linked to a particular place.

Use of Caesura

• The poem is punctuated with caesura – pauses within a line – which can be interpreted as the poet’s momentary attempts to regain composure or as moments of reflection on his past.

Critical Thinking Questions

• What is the impact of the form and structure of “Shores” on the poem’s themes and overall tone?
• How does the lack of distinct stanzas and the use of enjambment reflect the poet’s emotional state?
• How does the repetition of key phrases or the refrain enhance the exploration of the poem’s central themes?
• How does the use of caesura contribute to the mood and rhythm of the poem, and what might it signify about the poet’s thoughts or emotions?