The Great Storm

Question 1

why does it begin with a one line stanza?

Answer 1

to separate it from the rest of the poem - shows that it is important and stands out

Question 2

what quote is “ICASAWFD”?

Answer 2

“in cars and ships and woods, folk died.”

Question 3

analysis of “in cars and ships and woods, folk died.”

Answer 3

• end list with a sombre tone
• sense of respect for those dead
• end-stop allows pause to reflect
  “cars, ships, woods” - death everywhere, cannot escape it
• “folk” - informal word, suggests kinship

Question 4

why is the poem freeverse?

Answer 4

to mirror the freedom of the storm

Question 5

what quote is “STSLMAAWSFB”?

Answer 5

“small trees scattered like matchsticks and a whole shed flew by.”

Question 6

analysis of “small trees scattered like matchsticks and a whole shed flew by.”

Answer 6

• enjambment reflects the movement of the storm
• “a whole shed flew by” - highlights the power of the storm
• “flew by” - the storm picked it up and threw it with ease - strength of the storm

Question 7

what quote is “TWR”?

Answer 7

“the world roared”

Question 8

analysis of “the world roared”

Answer 8

• sense of collective pain
• personification
• “roared” - storm seems like a monster or beast
• “world” - inescapable, the whole world consumed by the storm
• the whole world is struggling, in pain

Question 9

who is the poet?

Answer 9

Jo Shapcott

Question 10

what is the poem actually about?

Answer 10

the Great Storm of 1987

Question 11

poet intentions

Answer 11

highlight the damage and chaos it created on her home which was turned from comfort into a nightmare

Question 12

reader reaction

Answer 12

scared of nature and its power

Question 13

context

Answer 13

• born in 1953
• survived the great storm of 1987
• compares her life to the storm, showing how chaotic her own life is

Question 14

themes

Answer 14

• nature
• power of nature
• collective struggle