Intermediate 2
Revision
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On the surface, the poem describes the event of
the speaker meeting and assisting an old,
disabled man to the toilet.
Through this experience, we learn about how
the old man is seen through the eyes of others.
We then discover what it is like to be in his shoes
and realise just how difficult and indeed
frightening his life can be.
It is clear to us that by the end of the poem the
speaker has realised a great deal about the
strength of this man and has great respect for
his courage.
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A large idea that forms the base of a work of
art (literary, cinematic or other) and runs
through it.
The theme is usually linked to the message of
a text and what the author was trying to
make the audience think or feel.
A commentary on an aspect of human
experience.
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Much of Edwin Morgan’s poetry is focused around “ordinary” people and
society, and his poetry is often viewed as a commentary on society as he
observes it.
“In the Snack-bar” has a fairly obvious theme, inviting the reader to
consider the place of the disabled, less-fortunate or “needy” in society.
Morgan clearly feels that people do not do enough to help those in need
in modern society:
“His life depends on many who would evade him”
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This quote quite clearly indicates that the poet feels most people in
society would turn a blind eye to people like the old man rather than lend
a helping hand. However, “In the Snack-bar” could also be seen as a
tribute to the fighting spirit of the old man, and to those in society who
are less fortunate, yet refuse to give up:
“persisting patience of the undefeated”
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This attitude from the old man is all the more astonishing given what he
has to face in his life, and is one of the reasons the reader and the
narrator cannot help but feel a sense of admiration towards him.
In your personal response to the poem, comment on
what you think the theme of the poem is.
 How does the poem make you feel and what does the
poem make you think? How does the poet achieve
this?
 Reflect on whether or not you agree with the poet’s
views, or whether the themes explored made you see
an issue in a different light.
 If you are asked for your personal response in a critical
essay, remember to link your personal response to
what the question is asking and to comment on the
techniques used by the poet and the effect you feel
they had on the poem.
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Character e.g. poem which portrays an
interesting character.
Setting e.g. a poem in which setting plays an
important role.
Message e.g. a poem which could be
considered as having a powerful message.
Emotion/mood/atmosphere e.g. a poem in
which the poet creates a particular mood or
atmosphere.
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If you are choosing to write about this poem in an exam situation,
you are most likely going to be looking to answer a question which
requires you to:
Write about a poem you found
interesting/striking/challenging/enjoyable/thoughtprovoking.
Or
Write about a poem which makes you feel
emotion/sympathy/admiration/ empathy/compassion for a
character.
Or
Write about a poem which made you think in a different way about
an issue/reconsider your views on an issue.
Regardless of which particular type of question it is you answer,
your job will be to analyse the techniques used by the poet to
make you, as the reader, feel sympathy/change your views/enjoy
the poem etc.