Storm On The Island

Question 1

Content

Answer 1

Narrator describes how rural island community prepared for storm, and how were confident in preparation

When storm hits they are shocked by power: violent sights and sounds described using war metaphor

Final line of poem reveals fear of natures power

Question 2

Language

Answer 2

Nor are there trees that might prove company: island is a lonely barren place

Pummels, exploding, spits; violent verbs used for storm

Exploding comfortably: semantic field of war and oxymoron to contrast fear/safety. Wind dives and strafes invisibly (wind a fighter plane) we are bombarded by the empty air (under ceaseless attack)

Reinforces metaphor of war/troubles

Spits like a tame cat turned savage: simile compares nature to animal turned on owner

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Written in blank verse with lots of enjambment: creates conversational/anecdotal tone

We (first person plural): creates sense of community
You (direct address) makes reader feel immersed in experience

Poem split in three sections: confidence-we are prepared (ironic); violence-it pummels your house; fear-it is a huge nothing that we fear

There is a Volta at but no:, where this monosyllabic phrase and caesura reflects final calm before storm