storm on the Island

Question 1

what is the poem about (4)

Answer 1

1 the narrator describes how a community thinks it is well prepared for an upcoming storm
2 their confidence begins to disappear as the storm develops
3 The power, sounds and behaviour of the sea are described
4 they are afraid as the storm hits the island, it concludes that it is the air itself that frightens people in a storm

Question 2

what is the form (4)

Answer 2

1 Blank verse present tense - sounds like everyday speech
2 dramatic monologue
3 first person uses colloquial phrases - feels like speaker is thinking out loud

Question 3

what is the structure (20

Answer 3

1 all written in one stanza - compact and sturdy like the houses
2 line 14 shifts from secure tone to one of fear

Question 4

what is the key context (5)

Answer 4

1 northern Irish poet
2 Irish Catholic
3 storm could be about political unrest in Ireland between Catholics v Protestants
4 - title could be read storm on t name of parliament buildings in north of Ireland
5 published in 1966 start of troubles.

Question 5

Poets message 2

Answer 5

1 nature is a powerful force
2 hostility between communities is pointless - the poems violent imagery hints at Irelands troubled past

Question 6

quotes

Answer 6

1 we just sit tight while wind dives - implies they will ride out the storm
2 we are prepared - strong declaration that the people are ready for the storm suggests they are safe and secure
3 exploding comfortable - oxymoron reflects unusual combination of fear and safety. The islanders are adapted and comfortable
4 spits like a tame cat - simile - describes sea spray hitting cottage windows but makes it spiteful and possibly dangerous as savage has dangerous connotations

Question 7

which poem compares

Answer 7

prelude

Question 8

why (4)

Answer 8

1 both poets explore power of nature and conflict between humanity and natural world using dramatic imagery .
2 storm - explores theme from a community, storm tackles subject from personal
3 both use similar techniques to explore mans conflict when faced with the power of nature . but language is different prelude romantic and gothic storm is picturesque and chaotic.
4 both poems end with poets being reflective