Storm on the island

• What does the title "Storm on the Island" suggest about the storm?

  It represents the power of storms generally
• How does the title relate to 'Stormont'?


  It serves as an allegory for political conflict
• What does the repeated use of 'no' in "No trees, no natural shelter" emphasize?


  It emphasizes the emptiness of the island
• What could the emptiness symbolize in the poem?


  It could symbolize death and unpredictability
• What does the oxymoron "Exploding comfortably" reveal about the weather?


  It shows the quick nature of weather changes
• How does "Huge nothing" relate to the storm's foundations?


  It suggests the storm has no clear foundations
• What might "huge nothing" symbolize in relation to political troubles?


  It symbolizes unclear foundations causing damage
• What does the verb 'bombarded' imply about the storm?


  It implies an incessant assault of the wind
• How does 'bombarded' create imagery related to war?


  It evokes military connotations of enemy gunfire
• What does the structure of the poem signify?


  • Free verse emphasizes weather's power
  • Single stanza represents island's isolation
• What does the use of free verse in the poem emphasize?


  It emphasizes the power and freedom of weather
• How does the single stanza contribute to the poem's theme?


  It highlights the island's helplessness against the storm