Choose a poem in which the poet effectively creates a character or persona.
Discuss, with reference to appropriate techniques, how the poet’s effective creation of the
character or persona enhances your appreciation of the poem as a whole
Aunt Julia by Norman Mccaig is a poem which creates the character of "Aunt Julia", who was a relative of Mccaig's that he stayed with on a small Scottish island. It follows his reflection on memories of time he spent with her, and looks back on the regrets he feels towards losing her. The character also allows us to understand the effects that a lack of communication can have on a relationship.
We are aware that Aunt Julia is somewhat of a role model to young Mccaig. "drew yarn ... out of the air" suggests her work was magical, entrancing young Mccaig. It allows us to see that she is highly skilled at the jobs she fulfils, and emphasises the islander characteristics in her. We are made aware of his admiration towards her as her house is the "only house" where he has experienced the box-bed experience and felt safe. This allows us to see that he feels safe in a culture completely different to he is use to, which allows us to understand the caring attitude that Aunt Julia had. The idea of the "absolute darkness" of the bed is contrasted to the "absolute black" of her grave. We know Mccaig felt safe in the darkness which he experienced, allows us to understand he looked up to her and was comforted by her. This allows us to build a picture of the relationship that they had together, despite the communication barriers.
She is also portrayed as a very masculine character - "she wore men's boots when she wore any" suggests she lives rough, which possibly suggests a lack of wealth but is used to emphasises her confident and out-going personality. We are also aware that she speaks "very loud and very fast". Repetition of this phrase, at the introduction & conclusion of the passage, allow us to be made more aware of her masculinity and the highly co-ordinated way in which she conducted her self. It also shows us that young Mccaig must have been totally perplexed by her nature, a huge contrast to his daily life at home. These skilful uses of language allow us to effectively build a picture of Aunt Julia in our minds, which effectively contribute to the poems meanings & central concerns.
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