Look at lines 1–4 - Scottish Highers English - Question 45 - 2019

In the opening lines of the poem, the poet describes the beggar, referred to as 'the dwarf', who is depicted as 'slumped' and 'sitting' with his hands on his back. This choice of words creates an immediate impression of defeat and diminishment. The phrase 'slumped like a half-filled sack' effectively conveys the beggar's physical and emotional state, suggesting that he is not only powerless but also is being compared to an inanimate object. This simile starkly illustrates his lack of agency and vitality, highlighting how society often overlooks such individuals.

Moreover, the language choice in 'sawed his must' and 'twisted' creates visual imagery that further dehumanizes the beggar, making him seem like a mere object subject to the whims of those around him. By using these expressions, the poet effectively diminishes the beggar's humanity, revealing him as an entity to be disregarded.