Poetry: Power and Conflict: Storm on the Island

Question 1

What is the thesis statement of Seamus Heaney’s poem “Storm on the Island”?

Answer 1

In his poem “Storm on the Island”, Heaney seeks to display what times a community may struggle to be united.

Question 2

What does the quotation “we build our houses” in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island” signify?

Answer 2

Sense of security, community, and active involvement.

Question 3

What does the quotation “it is a huge nothing that we fear” in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island” signify?

Answer 3

Passive, fearful, no sense of community, highlights the significance of nature and conflict on humans.

Question 4

How do the quotations “we build our houses” and “it is a huge nothing that we fear” contrast in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island”?

Answer 4

The first quotation suggests security and community, while the second quotation indicates fear and a lack of community.

Question 5

What does the quotation “tragic chorus” in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island” refer to?

Answer 5

Reference to Greek Tragedy, everyday people witness it, it’s like watching it happen to others.

Question 6

What is the significance of the quotation “no trees, no natural shelter” in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island”?

Answer 6

Repetition of negatives, nature does not provide shelter, people have to make it themselves.

Question 7

How does the use of direct address in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island” affect the poem?

Answer 7

Creates a sense of the speaker explaining the situation to an outsider.

Question 8

What is the effect of sudden shifts in metre in Heaney’s “Storm on the Island”?

Answer 8

Creates uncertainty, echoes the fear felt by the islanders in the face of the storm.

Question 9

What are some contextual points about Heaney’s life relevant to his poem “Storm on the Island”?

Answer 9

STORM ON The island - Stormont: name for the Northern Ireland Assembly
Political undertone to poem
Island is almost a homophone - sounds like Ireland: hints at double meaning to poem: literal meaning, and conflict in Ireland
Conflict in Ireland: “The Troubles”: 1922, Ireland became a country in its own right but Northern Ireland stayed part of the UK; Early 1960s, civil rights movement for Irish Catholics emerged, IRA set up to protect Catholics and to drive the British out of Ireland through a bombing and terror campaign