Poetry

Basking Shark

Summary of the poem:

• The poem 'Basking Shark' by Norman MacCaig recounts a surprising encounter with a basking shark while the poet was out on a small boat near Lochinver in the North West Highlands of Scotland.
• The poem explores the poet's initial fear and confusion when his oar hits what he thinks is a rock, only to realise it's a basking shark rising from the sea.
• The encounter leads to a reflection on the contrasting paths of evolution taken by humans and sharks, raising questions about who the true 'monster' is.

The inspiration for the poem:

• The poem is inspired by Norman MacCaig's real-life encounter with a basking shark in the sea near Lochinver, Scotland.
• Basking sharks are enormous but harmless filter feeders, which sparked the poet's contemplation of the differences in evolutionary paths between humans and sharks.

Form of the poem:

1. The poem consists of five stanzas.
2. Each stanza has three lines.
3. The rhyme scheme is regular, with each line end-rhymed with the others in the stanza.
4. The metre is relatively regular, with the first two lines of each stanza having five stressed syllables, and the last line having four.
5. The regular structure reflects the rhythmic quality of the sea and the steady rowing of the boat.

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Poetry

Summary of each stanza:

Stanza 1:

In the opening stanza, Norman MacCaig describes an unsettling encounter in a small boat. He hits what seems like a rock with his oar, but it rises from the sea, revealing itself to be a basking shark. This sets the stage for the unexpected encounter, highlighting the initial fear and confusion.

Stanza 2:

In the second stanza, MacCaig reflects on the encounter. He initially sees it as something he wouldn't want to happen again but changes his perspective, considering it valuable. He uses the word "met" to suggest a connection between himself and the shark, comparing the sea to the shark's size. This stanza explores the contrast between the shark's immense size and its small brain.

Stanza 3:

In the third stanza, the poet shifts to reflection. He suggests the shark's appearance has displaced his thoughts, transporting him "centuries back in time". He humorously refers to himself as a "decadent townee", feeling shaken and on the wrong branch of his family tree. This stanza explores the poet's changing perspective on his place in the world.

Stanza 4:

In the fourth stanza, MacCaig uses a metaphor involving a spring to represent initial confusion and disturbance. He suggests this disturbance leads to clarity, comparing it to emerging from the origins of life. This stanza highlights the poet's evolving understanding of his connection to the natural world and evolution.

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Poetry

Stanza 5:

The final stanza presents a pivotal question: "So who's the monster?" The poet suggests this question briefly made him grow pale. He reflects on the shark's departure, describing its graceful exit. The unanswered question challenges the reader to consider the true nature of monstrosity and humanity's place in the natural world. This stanza encapsulates the central theme of reevaluating our perception of a "monster."

Themes:

Evolution:

The poem explores the theme of evolution, contrasting the relatively unchanged nature of basking sharks over millions of years with the significant changes in humans since they evolved from marine life to land creatures.

• Quote: "Shook on a wrong branch of his family tree."

Humanity and Monstrosity:

The poem challenges the notion of what constitutes a "monster." It suggests that humans, with their capacity for destructive actions, may be the true monsters, while the basking shark, despite its size, is not.

• Quote: "So who's the monster? The thought made me grow pale."

Images:

The Shark as a "Monster" of Grace:

Initially described as a "roomsized monster," the shark's size is emphasised, but it later becomes an image of grace as it gracefully sails away.

• Quote: "That room sized monster with a matchbox brain."

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Poetry

Evolutionary Imagery:

The poet uses imagery related to evolution, such as the idea of emerging from primordial slime, to convey the deep connection between humans and the natural world.

• Quote: "Emerging from the slime of everything."

Style Techniques:

Use of Parenthetical Aside:

The poet employs parenthetical asides to inject his personal thoughts and reflections into the poem, creating a sense of intimacy with the reader.

• Example: "(too often)"

Metaphor:

Metaphorical language is used to liken the poet's unsettling encounter with the shark to being "shook on a wrong branch of his family tree," highlighting the idea of shared ancestry.

• Example: "Shook on a wrong branch of his family tree."

Language Techniques:

Rhetorical Question:

The poem ends with a rhetorical question that invites the reader to ponder the true nature of monstrosity, leaving the answer open-ended.

• Example: "So who's the monster?"

Alliteration:

Alliteration is used to create sound effects and reinforce imagery, such as the repetition of the "m" sound in "room sized monster" and "matchbox brain."

• Example: "roomsized monster," "matchbox brain."

By incorporating these elements into the poem, Norman MacCaig creates a thought-provoking work that challenges our perceptions of humanity's place in the natural world and the concept of monstrosity.

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Poetry

Personal Reflection

1. How does the poet's evolving view of the basking shark challenge your concept of what makes something a "monster" in nature?

2. What emotions does the poem stir in you as it explores humanity's role in evolution and our connection to other creatures?

3. In what ways does this poem encourage you to rethink your connection to the natural world and your role in it?