Julia's vitality and energy from word choice of 'flouncing'
'she was winds pouring wetly round house-end'
conveys stormy weather, and reinforces her link with nature and tradition
'while her right hand drew yarn marvellously out of the air'
intensity of childhood memory- sense of child's wonder at her skill
reniforces Julia's work ethic and traditional skill
word choice
'paddling' with the 'treadle' of the spinning wheel
paddling - up and down movement as she works the spinning wheel, mirrors the movement of the treadle 'paddle' links with water
'I can see her strong foot stained with peat'
poet's memories are vivid. Draws our attention to physical detail. Develops our understanding of her connection with the land and the traditional way of life
In the absolute black of a sandy grave
intensifies darkness of the grave. Reminds us of 'box bed' - but no friendly noises here
sentence structure
repitition
And getting angry, getting angry
Poet's sense of regret is clear - he was too late. his and Julia's frustrations at the language barrier is very emotive
I could not answer her - i could not understand her
establishes gulf between the young MacCaig and his aunt