Storm on the Island Flashcards
Analyse the form of SOTI
Heaney uses a dramatic monologue to mirror the dominance of nature. The one-sided nature of this form reflects this battle between nature and man; perhaps showing that nature will always remain dominant./ Furthermore, this links to the opening and closing couplets, which both contain half-rhyme. Heaney creates a cyclical structure – maybe to reflect the inescapable nature of the storm. However, it could represent that the storm actually doesn’t have a drastic effect, and all life returns as it was after the storm is over.
Analyse the opening of SOTI
Whilst Wordsworth embraces nature, Heaney prepares to battle its power. He boldly states that he is ‘’prepared’’ and ‘’we build our houses squat’’. Through, ‘’prepared’’ Heaney implies that this has happened before, and the speaker is determined to be prepared this time – they won’t let the fear control them. Although, it could reflect an element of naivety, they think they can match the power of the storm. Through the inclusive pronoun ‘’we’’, Heaney creates a sense of community and unity, perhaps working together is the key to overpowering the storm.
Analyse the structure of SOTI
Heaney writes his poem in 1 long, breathless stanza, reflecting the chaos of the storm. Also, the 1 stanza could reflect the isolation of the Island. Furthermore, enjambment flows throughout the poem, the barrage of information mirrors the barrage of the storm. Alternatively, the enjambment breaking apart the sentences could reflect how the storm will destroy their houses or even their lives.
Analyse the language of SOTI
Although, Heaney’s optimism begins to crumble as the sea becomes ‘’company’’ and starts ‘’exploding comfortably’’. The oxymoron contrats the idea of safety and fear – perhaps showing that the speaker’s bravery is futile. Furthermore, the violent language of ‘’exploding’’ shows the sudden impact, destructive and unexpected. Maybe ‘’comfortably’’ shows how the habitants of the island have almost normalized this storm – perhaps showing that this is a normal part of life.
Analyse the ending of SOTI
In the end of Heaney’s poem, by ultimately undermining the power of nature, calling it a ‘’huge nothing that we fear’’. Heaney implies that fear is a paradox – we only are scared if we let ourselves be – this fear is amplified and fabricated by our minds. Alternatively, ‘’nothing’’ references the fear of the unknown, perhaps even the fear of death. Heaney therefore shows that the power of nature lies in its ability to kill us.
