Storm on the island

• What does the title "Storm on the Island" symbolize?

  A political message about Northern Ireland
• What does the poem's form suggest about its message?

  It conveys a political message
• What are the two political sides in Northern Ireland mentioned?

  Protestant and Catholic
• What does the squat appearance of Stormont Castle symbolize?

  The political nature of the poem
• What literary device is used throughout the poem?

  Extended metaphor
• What does the sibilance in the poem create?

  A sinister mood
• What do the harsh sounds in the poem represent?

  A harsh experience of the island
• What does the imagery of "wizened earth" imply?

  Society is old and frail
• What does sinking walls symbolize in the poem?

  Diminishing experiences of identity
• What does the direct address in the poem suggest?

  Division is an illusion
• What commonality does Heaney highlight between Protestants and Catholics?

  Their shared fears
• How does Heaney suggest fear affects the conflict?

  It prevents peace between sides
• What does the metaphor of the storm represent?

  The violence in Northern Ireland
• What does the persona's anger reveal about the conflict?

  It harms everyone involved
• What do fricatives symbolize in the poem?

  Threatening posture and anger
• How does Heaney personify the sea?

  As a source of isolation
• What does the juxtaposition of "exploding comfortably" imply?

  Violence is normalized
• What does Heaney predict about the violence in Northern Ireland?

  It will escalate and affect more people
• What does the phrase "huge nothing" refer to?

  The fear of death without God
• How does Heaney suggest the conflict can be resolved?

  Through political unity
• What does the final stanza's structure imply?

  Readers should write the final line
• What does the half rhyme at the end signify?

  A feeling of unresolved conflict
• What themes can be explored in the poem?

  Power, conflict, nature, and the past
• How does the poem relate to the civil war in Northern Ireland?

  It serves as an extended metaphor
• What does Heaney suggest about the beliefs of Protestants and Catholics?

  They share many core beliefs
• What does the title "Storm on the Island" imply about the conflict?

  It is a manageable problem
• What does Heaney hope for the future of Northern Ireland?

  Political solutions and peace
• How does the poem encourage readers to reflect on their experiences?

  By questioning the normality of conflict
• What does Heaney imply about the nature of fear?

  It can lead to destructive actions
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between fear and identity?

  Fear can limit personal identity
• What is the significance of the poem's setting?

  It reflects the political tensions
• How does Heaney use imagery to convey his message?

  Through vivid descriptions of conflict
• What does Heaney want readers to understand about their fears?

  They are often unfounded and shared
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its meaning?

  It emphasizes unresolved conflict
• What does Heaney suggest about the future of Northern Ireland?

  It can improve with understanding
• How does the poem reflect Heaney's views on violence?

  It critiques the cycle of violence
• What does the poem ultimately call for?

  Unity and understanding between sides
• How does Heaney's use of language enhance the poem's themes?

  It creates a powerful emotional impact
• What is the overall tone of the poem?

  Somber and reflective
• How does the poem's conclusion invite reader participation?

  By suggesting they write the final line