Storm on the Island Flashcards
How does Heaney’s own life link to the poem Storm On The Island?
The way that Heaney presents the “Force of Nature” is through war images which are likely to be inspired by the civil war in Ireland when he was alive.
How does the poem present itself as dramatic?
The poem begins straight away with people preparing themselves for a storm, much like a story the scene is already powering on. This encourages the readers to anticipate the moment when the storm will strike.
Give an example of an oxymoron from the poem and explain what this does.
“huge nothing that we fear” This oxymoron suggests that our fear is a paradox and that there is nothing to fear. It implies that we fear the nothingness of the invisible wind. This makes the readers feel uncomfortable as it shows the lack of control we have over something dangerous that we cannot see.
Give examples of assonance.
“Spits” “Sit” “Hits” “Wind” all have a harsh i sound to encourage the reader to imagine the sound of the attacking storm.
Give a metaphor used in this poem.
“sit tight while wind dives”
What structural technique is used in this poem?
Enjambment to enforce the tension of the upcoming and expected storm.
Give an example of personification in this poem
“The wizened earth” implies that the earth has been aged in some way (usually wrinkled) so it gives you a run down and vulnerable image.
What does the negation in this poem reveal to us?
“Nor are there trees” “no stacks”
Shows us how there is just bare land, except for the houses built squat. There is no natural shelter to face the storm which symbolises nature vs man.
What technique is used to engage you in the poem?
He uses a conversational style
“You know what I mean” to directly involve you in the poem so it encourages you to imagine that you are involved.
What does the quote “Pummels your house too” show?
This quote uses violent language to enforce the idea of war images behind the poem, relating the storm to a dangerous enemy and highlight the conflict between man and nature.
Give an example of a simile used in the poem?
“Spits like a tame cat
Turned savage” This shows us how the sea is unpredictable as it was once tame and peaceful but has become savage. This represents the lack of power humans have as they cannot control or predict nature.
