Assisi
"tiny twisted legs"
Memory
Character
Sympathy/isolation
The alliteration of "tiny" and "twisted" links them and creates a pathetic tone. "twisted" has connotations of something odd or wrong, which not only describes the mans handicap, but also hints to the broader idea that there is something wrong with a society that would treat someone this way
"ruined temple"
Character
Sympathy/isolation
Character
the comparison of the beggar to a place of warship- a "ruined temple" is appropriate given the specific setting of the peom and is one of the most powerful metaphors ised in the piece. A "temple" is usually something significant and something that was once beautiful. But tbis church had fallen into disrepair due to neglect, much like the man
"three tiers of churches"
Contrast
Imagery
As this stanza continues, MacCaig delibrerately juxtaposes this pitful, crooked, pathetic individual against the grand backdrop of the three tiers of churches to show how poor he is. Figure caption, St Francis of Assisi is talking to birds, by Giotto di bondone. what is beibg emphasised here is the incongruity that such an archecturally conplex building was used to honour a priest with such simple, plain taste and philosophies.
"St francis, brother of the poor"
Contrast
St francis himself is alluded to here brother/of the poor, talker with the birds. The speaker reveals a fundamental disconnect between what St Francis represented and the way he is now honoured, not through acts of compassion and empathy but in the building of lavish, expensive constructions like the basilica.
"slumped like a half-filled sack"
Contrast
Memory
Character
Sympathy/Isolation
Imagery
Creates an incredibly vivid image suggesting that he can barely support his own frame. "half-filled" suggests poverty as he has given up, as if he has no strength to carry on.
"rush of tourist's clucking contendedly"
Memory
The speaker sardonically(mocking) compares them to a flock of chickens clucking. Contentedly with dumb, blind obedience as they fluttered after him. This disparaging analogy reveals contempt that the speaker holds for the tourist's who, just like the priest are oblivious to, and uneffected by the plight of the poor beggar. Again the metaphor of them as little more than farmyard poultry is extended as the priest is described as leading them by scattering the grain of the word.