Storm on the island

Question 1

Form

Answer 1

• Written in blank verse which mirrors the patterns of everyday speech & pretending to be a conversation
• First person plural “we” shows how this is a collective communal experience

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

• One long stanza of long sentences, reflects the uncontrollable & overwhelming aspect of nature
• Enjabment
• Poem shifts from security to fear “but no” is a turning point with the slow pace of the monosyllabic phase & the caesura reflecting The last moment of calm before the storm

Question 3

Contrasting descriptions of safety & fear

Answer 3

-Narrator uses alot of words to do with safety & security at the start. Town changes as the sense of danger increases as familiar things become frightening

Question 4

Direct address

Answer 4

Narrator involves the reader in his fear by speaking directly to “you”

Question 5

Violent imagery

Answer 5

-Storm on the island is described in violent often warlike terms with similes metaphors personification combining to emphasise the danger & effects of storm

Question 6

Use of sounds

Answer 6

Forceful sound “blasts” demonstrate the strength of nature

-Poem uses assonant & sibilant sounds to reflect the noise

Question 7

Feelings & attitudes

Answer 7

• Safety: First part of the poem shows that the community feels safe & prepared
• Fear: Sense of security changes to fear
• Helplessness: Poeple can’t do anything about their fear except wait for it to end

Question 8

Key points

Answer 8

• Cottage represents safety & calm, the violence of the westher is undermined, reflects conflict between nature & man
• Poet is able to communicate a sense of calm friendliness using asides & recognisable imagery
• Poetd suggestion of fear challenges the allocation of power