Basking Shark Flashcards
(14 cards)
Stub
Onomatopoeia suggests a sudden and unexpected encounter with the shark which has surprised MacCaig
Slounge
Onomatopoeia suggests very slow and awkward movement which emphasises the sharks ancient power
Roomsized monster with a matchbox brain (1)
Metaphor and contrast compares a huge body to very little intelligence which mocks the shark and suggests that it is a primitive creature
Roomsized monster with a matchbox brain (2)
Word choice of ‘monster’ has connotations of unthinking and primitive which suggests the speaker feels very superior.
He displaced more than water
Metaphor suggests the shark doesn’t just move the water but also shifts MacCaig’s thinking
Shoggled
Word choice suggests a rough and violent shake which emphasises that the shark forces MacCaig to rethink humanity’s history.
Decadent (Townee)
Word choice suggests humans are spoiled, lazy and have distanced themselves from nature.
Wrong branch of his family tree
Metaphor suggests humans have evolved from animals and makes MacCaig question whether human development and progress have truly been an improvement.
Swish up the dirt and, when it settles, a spring is all the clearer
Metaphor suggests the encounter disturbs his thoughts but clarifies his understanding of life.
In one fling
Parenthesis emphasises the sudden realisation and maturity that he has gained from this encounter
So who’s the monster?
Rhetorical question challenges human superiority and suggests humans might be worse than animals
A spring is all the clearer
Symbolism - the clear spring symbolises a clear understanding of life and human nature after the encounter.
Sea tin-tacked with rain
Alliteration creates a vivid image of light rain on water showing nature’s beauty.
Sail after sail
Repetition suggests the realisation of the impressiveness of the shark which emphasises that MacCaig is reflecting on his experience and is admiring the shark now.
