Storm on the Island Flashcards
What happens in Storm on the Island?
The narrator describes how people in an unknown community are prepared for a coming storm. However, when the storm strikes, it is much more violent than the community had appreciated
When was it written?
1966
What does the narrator admit to?
That they were afraid of something which is invisible
What is the form of the poem?
One, 19 line block, much like the squat houses described at the start
What is it written in?
In free verse, iambic pentameter
What are the 2 distinctive halves of the poem?
First - Describes the safety and stability of the houses
Second - Tone changes to fear and anxiety
Who wrote the poem?
Seamus Heaney
What structural features does Heaney use?
Enjambment and Caesura - To break up and fragment the poem in parts
What do critics wonder about this poem?
Whether this poem reflects the metaphorical storm in Ireland’s history, or whether it’s conflict of man vs nature
What is the quote starting with, “We are pr…”?
“We are prepared; we build our houses squat”
What is the quote starting with, “This wiz…”?
“This wizened earth has never troubled us”
What is the quote starting with, “Nor are…”?
“Nor are there trees / Which might prove company when it blows full / Blast”
What is the quote starting with, “Leaves and…”?
“Leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus”
What is the quote starting with, “There are n…”?
“There are no trees, no natural shelter”
What is the quote starting with, “The flu…”?
“The flung spray hits / The very windows”
What is the quote starting with, “Spits…”?
“Spits like a tame cat turned savage”
What is the quote starting with, “Strange, it’s…”?
“Strange, it’s a huge nothing that we fear”
What 4 poems to compare to?
Bayonet Charge
The Prelude
London
The Emigree
What language device reflects the uncluttered, simplistic life of the islanders?
The use of monosyllabic words
What device does the narrator use to engage us as a reader?
Colloquial Phrases
What does the semantic field relating to stormy weather highlight?
The unrelenting attack of the storm
How does the poet portray nature’s persistent onslaught?
With use of Military imagery
