Storm on the Island Flashcards

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1
Q

What happens in Storm on the Island?

A

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

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2
Q

When was it written?

A

1966

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3
Q

What does the narrator admit to?

A

That they were afraid of something which is invisible

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4
Q

What is the form of the poem?

A

One, 19 line block, much like the squat houses described at the start

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5
Q

What is it written in?

A

In free verse, iambic pentameter

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6
Q

What are the 2 distinctive halves of the poem?

A

First - Describes the safety and stability of the houses

Second - Tone changes to fear and anxiety

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7
Q

Who wrote the poem?

A

Seamus Heaney

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8
Q

What structural features does Heaney use?

A

Enjambment and Caesura - To break up and fragment the poem in parts

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9
Q

What do critics wonder about this poem?

A

Whether this poem reflects the metaphorical storm in Ireland’s history, or whether it’s conflict of man vs nature

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10
Q

What is the quote starting with, “We are pr…”?

A

“We are prepared; we build our houses squat”

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11
Q

What is the quote starting with, “This wiz…”?

A

“This wizened earth has never troubled us”

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12
Q

What is the quote starting with, “Nor are…”?

A

“Nor are there trees / Which might prove company when it blows full / Blast”

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13
Q

What is the quote starting with, “Leaves and…”?

A

“Leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus”

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14
Q

What is the quote starting with, “There are n…”?

A

“There are no trees, no natural shelter”

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15
Q

What is the quote starting with, “The flu…”?

A

“The flung spray hits / The very windows”

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16
Q

What is the quote starting with, “Spits…”?

A

“Spits like a tame cat turned savage”

17
Q

What is the quote starting with, “Strange, it’s…”?

A

“Strange, it’s a huge nothing that we fear”

18
Q

What 4 poems to compare to?

A

Bayonet Charge
The Prelude
London
The Emigree

19
Q

What language device reflects the uncluttered, simplistic life of the islanders?

A

The use of monosyllabic words

20
Q

What device does the narrator use to engage us as a reader?

A

Colloquial Phrases

21
Q

What does the semantic field relating to stormy weather highlight?

A

The unrelenting attack of the storm

22
Q

How does the poet portray nature’s persistent onslaught?

A

With use of Military imagery