Storm On The Island

Question 1

Overall statement

Answer 1

Explores idea of power of nature over humanity and our weakness when faced with greater power
Extended metaphor for troubles and conflict in Ireland and how people living there fear and prepare for it

Question 2

Language point 1

Answer 2

Shows humans understand weakened position against nature by using a calm tone to describe preparations for storm

Question 3

Quote to show how prepared for storm

Answer 3

We are prepared: we build our houses squat
= they know they’re weak compared to strength of nature and storm
Rely on man made materials to stay safe
“Squat” shows houses

Question 4

Use of conversational tone

Answer 4

“You- know what I mean- leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus”
= author used to these storms to show he’s not afraid

Question 5

Quotes to show nature as violent

Answer 5

It pummels your house
Turned savage
Bombarded by empty air
Dives in strafes invisibly
= reference to gun power
= show people who live there only know military language

Question 6

Use of negative imagery

Answer 6

Depict nature in a threatening way
= something to fear
“Pummels” “blast”
= plosive B sounds
= feeling of violence and power
“Space is a salvo”
= allude his own experience growing up
= his own rhetoric associated by violence
= make nature enemy in battle