Storm on the Island

Question 1

We are prepared: we build our houses squat

Answer 1

The villages appear to be preparing to endure bombing.

Question 2

so, as you see

Answer 2

Anecdotal phrase shows Heaney is storytelling.

Question 3

there are no stacks or stooks that can be lost.

Answer 3

Emphasises how barren and bare the island is.

Question 4

when it blows full/Blast

Answer 4

Enjambment to Emphasises the sudden impact of the wind.

Question 5

Leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus in a gate…

Answer 5

Long phrase creates a crescendo effect similar to the ‘tragic chorus’.

Question 6

Forgetting that it pummels your house too.

Answer 6

Violent imagery to immerse the reader.

Question 7

Exploding comfortably down the cliffs

Answer 7

Juxtaposition refers to the power of nature.

Question 8

spits like a tame cat turned savage

Answer 8

Simile to show how the once peaceful sea is spitting angrily.

Question 9

wind dives and strafes invisibly…We are bombarded by the empty air.

Answer 9

Metaphor refers to the wind as a fighter jet.

Question 10

Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear.

Answer 10

Heaney is questioning whether his fears are real or imaginary.

Question 11

blast exploded strafes and bombarded

Answer 11

semantic field of war