Aunt Julia contrast ideas
Life vs death
Darkness
Memory
Basking shark contrast ideas
Size vs intelligence
Humanity vs nature
Perception
Hotel room contrast ideas
Modern vs primitive-(buildings)
Isolation vs connection
Technology vs reality
Life vs death
” very loud”, talkative aunt “lay silenced”
Contrast silence to loud shows sadness and regret
Irony of him not being able to communicate
Darkness
” absolutel darkness” of cosy box bed (safe comforting)
Contrasts “absolute black” when she dies (numb, death, permanent)
Memories
Happy memories of her life vs sad/frustration at memories of her death
“Marvellous/ crickets being friendly”-awe, wonder vs “getting angry”-pain
Size vs intelligence
“Roomsized monster” contrasts “matchbox brain” showing primitive nature through contrast
Huge body vs tiny brain- simple, instinctual creature alongside a complex human observer.
Humanity vs nature
“Decadant” nature of spoiled/civilised/complex maccaig contrasts sharks ancient and pure existence.
Perception
“Matchbox brain” Contrasts later “tall fin” stupid vs elegant, shows shift in perspective/opinion
Modern vs primitive
Buildings:
Modern, civilised progress-“Empire state building”-symbol of wealth and power contrasts “canyons and gulches” and primal chaos-from wild west theme (uncivilised, intrinsic violence and aggression (primal nature))
Isolation vs connection
Maccaig is physically isolated but resourcefully connected
“Coldwater flats” are physically connected and close to city but resourcefully isolated
Modern civilised progress, despite progress, is isolating-urban life does not create human connection
Technology vs reality
“Glittering buildings” contrasts the violence and suffering “harsh screaming”
Modern vs primitive building quotes
“ESB”
“Canyons and gulches”
