Storm on the island

• Who is the poet of "Storm on the Island"?

  Seamus Heaney
• What is the primary setting of "Storm on the Island"?

  A battered landscape in Northern Ireland
• What does the term "the troubles" refer to?

  Conflict in Northern Ireland starting in 1968
• How does Heaney's poem relate to the political context of Northern Ireland?

  It reflects the conflict between Catholics and Protestants
• What does the title "Storm on the Island" symbolize?

  The conflict in Northern Ireland and its government
• What does the phrase "wizened earth" suggest about the landscape?

  It indicates a shriveled and unhealthy environment
• How does Heaney use buildings as a metaphor in the poem?

  They represent the people stuck in conflict
• What does the term "semantic field" refer to in the context of the poem?

  The language related to warfare and conflict
• What does the repetition of "no" in the poem signify?

  A sense of absence and despair in the landscape
• How does Heaney describe the storm in relation to warfare?

  As an explosion and violent attack
• What does the phrase "huge nothing that we fear" imply about the conflict?

  It suggests the conflict is over trivial matters
• What is the significance of the imagery of a "fighter plane" in the poem?

  It compares the storm to an attacking force
• How does Heaney's tone shift throughout the poem?

  From strength to despair regarding the conflict
• What does the term "semantic field of nature" refer to in the poem?

  The language related to the natural environment
• How does Heaney portray the earth in "Storm on the Island"?

  As wizened and potentially harmful
• What does the absence of trees in the poem symbolize?

  A lack of natural shelter and hope
• How does Heaney's use of casual language affect the poem's tone?

  It creates a conversational yet critical perspective
• What does the phrase "we just sit tight" imply about the people's response to conflict?

  They are passive and accepting of violence
• How does Heaney's poem connect to other war poems in the conflict cluster?

  It explores the effects of war on people
• What does the imagery of "pummels" and "bombarded" suggest about the storm?

  It conveys a sense of violent attack
• How does Heaney's portrayal of nature differ from traditional views?

  It presents nature as hostile and oppressive
• What does the phrase "the earth might trouble other people" imply?

  It suggests a disconnect between the speaker and nature
• How does Heaney's use of oxymoron enhance the poem's message?

  It emphasizes the absurdity of the conflict
• What is the overall message of "Storm on the Island" regarding conflict?

  It critiques the acceptance of violence in society
• What is the poet's background and its relevance to the poem?

  Heaney lived in Northern Ireland, influencing his work
• Why is the setting described as "up high above the cliff tops"?

  It symbolizes safety from storm waters
• What does "hunkering down" imply in the poem?

  Seeking shelter from the impending storm
• What does "no stacks or stocks" suggest about the community?

  They lack resources and are vulnerable
• What does "good slate" signify in the poem?

  It contrasts with the bleakness of the landscape
• What does the phrase "the speaker thinks it's great" imply about the speaker's perspective?

  It reveals a disconnect from the harsh reality
• What does "leaves and branches can raise a tragic chorus" suggest?

  Nature reflects the turmoil of the people
• What does "the sea is company exploding comfortably" imply?

  It suggests a deceptive sense of safety
• What does "spits like a tame cat" convey about the storm?

  It portrays the storm as unpredictable and dangerous
• What does "we just sit tight" reveal about the people's attitude towards conflict?

  They are resigned to the violence around them
• What does "the consequences of this nothing are massive" imply?

  Trivial conflicts lead to significant suffering
• How does the storm relate to the IRA's bombing methods?

  It symbolizes the violence and chaos of conflict
• What does "the island is made of rock" signify?

  It represents permanence and strength
• What does "the earth isn't something good here" suggest about the landscape?

  It reflects a harsh and unwelcoming environment
• Why is the landscape described as "lovely" despite its harshness?

  It highlights the speaker's desire for peace
• What does "the speaker wants the earth just to be peaceful" imply?

  There is a longing for tranquility in conflict