"we are prepared" "it is a huge nothing that we fear"
very strong opening statement that creates a feeling of safety. compared to the last line of the poem. the storm is invisible there is nothing solid there. compared to the solid rock mentioned in the second line of the poem.
exploding comfortably
oxymoron to juxtapose the the feelings of fear and safety
spits like a tamed cat turned savage
simile shows how familiar things become frightening during the storm.
violent imagery- the storm is described in violent often warlike terms, with similes metaphors and personification combing to emphasise the danger and effects of the storm
written in 1966
the poet was born on an isolated storm-battered island which acts as a metaphor for the troubles in Ireland
