Storm on the Island

Question 1

Poet

Answer 1

Seamus Heaney

Question 2

Key Quotes

Answer 2

“We are prepared: we build our houses squat” - creates feeling of safety and power of humanity
“We just sit tight while wind dives” - personification shows dominion of nature is inevitable, and just have to wait the storm out

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

Blank verse mirroring pattern of everyday speech (conversational)
First person plural “we” = collective, communal experience
One stanza - compact and sturdy, like houses

Question 4

Language

Answer 4

Violent imagery of repetition of “fear” - warlike experience
Forceful onomatopoeia “blast” demonstrate strength of nature
Assonance and sibilance of “i” reflect noises of wind and waves

Question 5

Themes

Answer 5

Power of Humans and Community
Power of Nature
Fear (negative emotion)

Question 6

Context

Answer 6

Late 1900s

‘Stormont’ - Northern Ireland’s parliament buildings, political disturbances of protestant England to Catholic Ireland

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

Shift from security to fear, “But no” = volta and caesura