Storm On The Island

Question 1

In summary, what is this poem about?

Answer 1

Power of nature and our vulnerability to it

Question 2

Identify a use of antithesis in this poem

Answer 2

spits like a tame cat turned savage

Question 3

Identify two oxymorons in this poem

Answer 3

1. Exploding comfortably down on the cliffs 2. Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear (last line)

Question 4

What do the oxymorons represent?

Answer 4

The wind itself cannot be seen however we see the effects it has on the environment and on people. Wind cannot be tampered with however it can tamper with humans and destroy man made objects

Question 5

What does the antithesis represent?

Answer 5

We cannot see wind and therefore cannot do it any damage however we are visible and vulnerable to it and the damage it causes

Question 6

What does the sibilance represent? 3 ideas

Answer 6

Mimicks the wind and sea to suggest a turbulent atmosphere. Silent tone suggests wind is a silent assassin. Hushed tone portrays our vulnerability

Question 7

Identify a use of sibilance in this poem

Answer 7

We just sit tight while wind dives and strafes invisibly. Space is a salvo.

Question 8

First line of poem

Answer 8

We are prepared: we build our houses squat

Question 9

Why is the unifying language ironic?

Answer 9

It presents the people as a strong, unified community however they are no match for nature’s power

Question 10

Identify a use of enjambment at the heart of the poem

Answer 10

Can raise a tragic chorus in a gale // so that you can listen to the thing you fear

Question 11

What does the enjambment represent?

Answer 11

The lines carry on which portrays the wind as a driving force