What is the main message of storm on the island?

Storm On The Island is a poem that gives voice to a people who live in constant fear of the power of natural storms. The poem’s theme is therefore the ongoing conflict between humans and nature.

What is Heaney’s message in storm on the island?

On the surface, at least, “Storm on the Island” is a poem about humankind and nature. Though people may build their protected communities to live in, nature is so powerful that no community is ever completely safe from destruction. The poem, then, shows humankind as being in constant negotiation with its environment.

How does storm on the island present power of nature?

The wind is so powerful that the sea spray hits “the very windows” of the houses. Heaney conveys the unpredictability of nature through the simile of a cat much of the time it is “company” (friendly) and “tame” (safe) but in the storm it turns “savage” and “spits”.

What is the effect of direct address in storm on the island?

4) DIRECT ADDRESS – The narrator involves the reader in his fear by speaking directly to “you”. 5) VIOLENT IMAGERY -The storm is described in violent, often warlike terms, with similes, metaphors and personification combining to emphasise the danger and effects of the storm.

What does we build our houses squat mean?

We are prepared: we build our houses squat, Bring it! This is a pretty confident first line. Even though we’re not yet sure who “we” is, the announcement of preparation sure gives off a “we got this” feeling. Whoever they are, they build their houses “squat” (short and sturdy) as a way of preparing themselves.

How does Storm on the Island link to exposure?

Both Heaney’s Storm on the Island and Owen’s Exposure present ideas about power through focusing on the power of nature and war throughout their poems. Despite the disparity in settings, power is shown have great influence on both poets throughout their work.

How is the weather presented in Storm on the Island?

The quick-changing nature of weather into the storm is best represented by an image of “a tame cat / Turned savage” in lines 15-16. However, the islanders know how to endure the storm, and therefore they “sit tight” (line 16).

How does Storm on the Island compare to exposure?

In ‘Storm on the Island’, the poem is written in free verse which shows that weather/nature is unpredictable and difficult to stop. While in ‘Exposure’, the poem is written in half rhyme, which provides a tight and rigorous structure, giving the poem a sombre tone.