Analysis of Norman MacCaig's techniques in his poem 'Byre'

The topics of landscape and place and reverence for life are at the heart of many of Norman MacCaig's poems. By referring closely to setting, structure, word choice and literary techniques, I will discuss the extent to which I feel "Byre" fits in with these topics. In "Byre" various sections of a barn at dusk are skilfully described to the reader. The crux of the poem is that different parts of the barn are intended …

…A byre is basic and unpretentious yet full of life making it an ideal setting for such allegorical events. It is also a microcosm of the world and I think it shows that despite the divisions between good and evil are not actually that far away from each other. MacCaig passes no judgement on any part of the barn, which I feel, helps to show they are not actually that far away from each other.