Storm on the island

Question 1

Poem’s structure

Answer 1

The poem shifts from security to fear. ‘BUt no:’ seems to be the volta, with the slow pace of the monosyllabic phrase and caesurea refelcting the last moments of calm before the storm.

Question 2

Poem’s form

Answer 2

The poem is written in blank verse, which mirrors the patterns of everyday speech and makes the poem sound like part of a conversation. The first person plural We is used, showing this is a collective, communal experience. The poem is all in one stanza - it’s compact and sturdy, like the houses.

Question 3

Poem’s themes

Answer 3

• Power of man
• Power of nature