Storm on The Island Flashcards
When was Storm on The Island written?
- Late 20th century.
What is the context of The Troubles that happened in Ireland?
- Britain owned Northern Ireland.
- Catholics in Northern Ireland were discrimnated against.
- North wanted to stay with Britain - South didn’t.
- This led to the IRA campaigning for rights of Catholics in Northern Ireland.
What could be two main messages of this poem?
1.) Heaney is trying to show the uncontrollable power of nature.
2.) Trying to show the power that the conflict has on people and the true gravity of the situation but sadly that people are used used to it. ( prepare themselves for it. )
Where is this poem set?
- Aran Islands
What is the significance of this poem being set on The Aran Islands?
- Shows how isolated people feel due to The Troubles.
Where did Heaney live initially, where did he move to?
- He was from Northern Ireland but was Catholic so moved to the south to be safer.
Why does Heaney use the phrase: “we are prepared?”
- “we” inclusive language - suggests The Catholics are standing together in this conflict.
- Suggests this is normal protocol for them.
How does Heaney describe the Island?
- Barren: wizened earth has never troubled us.
- No trees to warn of the storm: no one is helping them// they feel exposed.
What language technique does Heaney use in this phrase:”blows full blast” and what is it’s effect?
- Plosive alliteration
- Aggressive nature of nature// aggressive nature of the conflict
What is the significance of Heaney contrasting serious language with coloquial speech when he says “you know what I mean?”
- Creates juxtaposition.
- He sort of understands the conflcit/ power of nature (normal life for him), but at the same time it’s still shocking and overwhelming!
How is the storm described in a violent manner?
- “pummells”
- “spits like a tame cat turned savage”- nature has become destructive// people have become destructive.
- “bombarded”
- Unpredictable nature of the weather// unpredictable nature of the conflict.
What is the significance of the fact that there are “no trees”, “no natural shelter?”
- They are completely exposed// just like they are in the conflict
- Nature has now become destructive rather than good.
What is the sinificance of the phrase: “exploding comftorbly?”
- Oxymoron
- Shows how he may be used to the explosions from the conflict.
Give examples of the storm being described using military language.
1.) Exploding
2.) Bombarded
3.) Space is a salvo: air is the artilery// nature is as dangerous as bombs. Or maybe just speaking about bombs!!
How does Heaney use structure to show the overwhelming situation of the storm/ the attack?
- Lack of stanza breaks: overwhelming situation the reader finds themselves in - mirroring how overwhelming the storm// conflict is.
- Lack of rhyme scheme–> lack of control of the storm.
