Storm on The Island

Question 1

Summarise ‘Storm on the Island’ in one sentence

Answer 1

“Storm on the Island” by Seamus Heaney describes a community’s preparations for and experiences of a powerful and relentless storm, illustrating the raw and unpredictable force of nature.

Question 2

What does the poem say about nature?

Answer 2

It portrays nature as a powerful, unpredictable, and sometimes destructive force that humans must prepare for and endure, highlighting both the strength and the indifferent, impersonal character of the natural world.

Question 3

What does the structure of the poem represent?

Answer 3

The poem is free verse, without a set rhyme scheme or meter, mirroring the unpredictable and chaotic nature of the storm itself.

Question 4

Which two juxtaposing quotes show the power of nature?

Answer 4

“We are prepared”
- confident tone at the start of the poem

“We are bombarded”

Question 5

What does the quote “We are bombarded” suggest?

Answer 5

It suggests the relentless and overwhelming onslaught of the storm upon the islanders, conveying a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness in the face of nature’s fury.

Question 6

Give a quote to show natures unpredictability and explode it

Answer 6

“Spits like a tame cat
Turned savage”

• This oxymoronic simile vividly portrays the sudden transformation of the storm from a seemingly benign state to a ferocious and uncontrollable force, emphasizing nature’s capacity for unpredictability and volatility.