Storm on the Island Authors Intentions Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is one of Heaney’s key aims in ‘Storm on the Island’?
To explore the power of nature
Heaney shows how nature can be incredibly powerful and frightening, especially in rural settings.
What does the quote ‘We are bombarded by the empty air’ signify?
Nature’s force can create fear, instability, and destruction without being visible
Heaney wants readers to understand the invisible destructive power of nature.
What psychological aspect does Heaney reflect in the poem?
Psychological fear of the unknown
The poem highlights how people often fear what they cannot see or control.
What does the quote ‘It is a huge nothing that we fear’ imply?
Human fear is often irrational and driven by imagination
The ‘nothing’ refers to the terror created by uncertainty rather than physical reality.
How does Heaney comment on political violence in ‘Storm on the Island’?
By using the storm as a metaphor for the conflict in Northern Ireland
He draws parallels between natural storms and political turmoil, suggesting unpredictability.
What does the quote ‘Strafes invisibly’ suggest?
Violence is sudden, invisible, and part of daily life
This reflects the nature of conflict during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
What theme does Heaney explore regarding human vulnerability?
Human vulnerability to forces beyond control
He strips away human pride, showing that preparation does not guarantee safety.
What is the irony in the quote ‘You might think the sea is company, / Exploding comfortably’?
The sea appears friendly but is actually dangerous
Heaney challenges the idea of human control over nature.
What does Heaney celebrate in relation to rural communities?
Rural resilience and strength
He honours the stoicism of people who endure hardship and adapt to hostile environments.
What does the quote ‘We are prepared: we build our houses squat’ convey?
The toughness of ordinary people
It reflects how they prepare for and withstand the challenges posed by nature.
What techniques does Heaney use to create a dramatic atmosphere?
Enjambment, caesura, and violent imagery
These techniques build suspense and tension, mirroring the storm’s intensity.
What is the intent behind Heaney’s use of language and structure in the poem?
To reflect the intensity of the storm and draw the reader into the scene
He aims to make the reader feel the pressure and chaos of the storm.
What is the first intention of Heaney in Storm on the Island?
To explore the power of nature
Heaney shows how nature is incredibly powerful and frightening, especially in rural or isolated settings.
What quote illustrates Heaney’s exploration of nature’s power?
“We are bombarded by the empty air.”
This quote emphasizes the destructive force of nature, even when it isn’t visible.
How does the poem reflect psychological fear?
It addresses the fear of the unknown and how people fear what they can’t see or control
Heaney highlights that human fear is often irrational, driven by imagination and uncertainty.
What is the significant quote regarding psychological fear in the poem?
“It is a huge nothing that we fear.”
This quote suggests that the fear of the unknown can be more terrifying than tangible threats.
What does the poem comment on regarding political violence?
It serves as a metaphor for the conflict in Northern Ireland (The Troubles)
The poem parallels natural storms with political turmoil, highlighting unpredictability and inescapability.
What quote reflects the metaphor of political violence in the poem?
“Strafes invisibly”
This quote suggests the sudden and invisible nature of violence, akin to a storm.
What is Heaney’s intention regarding human vulnerability in the poem?
To present human vulnerability despite preparation and strength
Heaney strips away human pride, showing that people are vulnerable to uncontrollable forces.
What quote illustrates the theme of human vulnerability?
“You might think the sea is company, / Exploding comfortably”
This quote reveals the irony of perceiving the sea as friendly while it is actually dangerous.
What does Heaney celebrate through the depiction of rural resilience?
The strength and stoicism of rural communities
Heaney honors how these communities endure hardship with practicality and courage.
What quote reflects the celebration of rural resilience?
“We are prepared: we build our houses squat”
This quote demonstrates the practical adaptations of ordinary people to hostile environments.
What technique does Heaney use to create a dramatic atmosphere?
Enjambment, caesura, and violent imagery
These techniques build suspense and tension, reflecting the intensity of the storm.
What is the intent behind Heaney’s use of language and structure in the poem?
To make the reader feel the pressure and chaos of the storm
This mirrors the relentlessness of the wind and fear experienced in the poem.
