Storm on the island Flashcards
Quotes
“We are prepared: we build our houses squat”
The villagers appear to be preparing to endure a bombing.
“so, as you see”
Anecdotal phrase shows Heaney is storytelling.
“there are no stacks or stooks that can be lost.”
Emphasises how barren and bare the island is.
“when it blows full /Blast”
Enjambment to emphasise the sudden impact of the wind.
“leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus in a gale…”
Long phrase creates a crescendo effect similar to the ‘tragic chorus’.
“Forgetting that it pummels your house too.”
Violent imagery to immerse the reader.
“Exploding comfortably down the cliffs”
Juxtaposition refers to the power of nature.
“spits like a tame cat turned savage”
Simile to show how the once peaceful sea is spitting angrily.
“wind dives and strafes invisibly…We are bombarded by the empty air.”
Metaphor refers to the wind as a fighter jet.
“Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear.”
Heaney is questioning whether his fears are real or imaginary.
