The subject of this poem is Norman MacCaig's Aunt Julia. She lived in a croft on a small island in the Outer Hebrides, speaking no English, only her native Gaelic language.

This poem compares the paths of the evolution of humans and basking sharks. The sharks lead lives unchanged for millions of years, whilst humans lead vastly changed lives.

From his hotel room in New York during a trip in the 1960s, MacCaig considers the nature of society, and whether it has come as far as its technological advances would suggest.

In this poem, the speaker is so at one with their surroundings that they have conversations and dialogue with the landscape around them.

This poem depicts an old woman who is confined to her home, but is an embodiment of the community around her.

The speaker in this poem appears to be dealing with a loss of power, and of isolation from his fellow man.

Revise the set texts by Norman MacCaig with these interactive quizzes in preparation for your National 5 English exam.