Analyzing Language and Imagery in 'Storm on the Island'

English
GCSE, Year 10, Year 11
0 questions
0 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet focusing on the language devices and imagery used in Seamus Heaney's 'Storm on the Island,' encouraging detailed analysis and comparison skills.

Worksheet Preview

Full preview • 0 questions

Analyzing Language and Imagery in 'Storm on the Island'

Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE, Year 10, Year 11
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz

Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE
A

Introduction

This worksheet explores the language devices and imagery in 'Storm on the Island.' You will analyze specific lines, interpret metaphors and imagery, and consider the poem's themes and effects. There is also a section on comparing this poem with other poems in the anthology.
B

Understanding Language Devices and Imagery

Answer the following questions to develop your understanding of the poem's language and imagery.
1.
Describe how Heaney uses imagery in the opening lines to set the scene. What effect does this imagery have on the reader?
[3 marks]
2.
Identify and explain the significance of the metaphor in the line: 'We are prepared: we build our houses squat, / Sink walls in rock and roof them with good slate.'
[3 marks]
3.
How does the poet use personification in the poem? Provide an example and interpret its effect.
[3 marks]
4.
Quote Explosion: Analyze the line 'Spits like a tame cat / Turned savage.' Focus on the imagery and language used. What does this comparison reveal about the storm?
[4 marks]
C

Deep Dive into Key Lines

Examine the following quotes closely and discuss their impact on the reader, including the poet's intentions.
1.
Quote Explosion: 'We just sit tight while the wind dives and strafes us.' Analyze the word choice and its effect on the tone of the poem.
[4 marks]
2.
Quote Explosion: 'The wind's that can be seen / It has a voice like a hurricane.' Discuss the imagery and how it enhances the theme of nature's power.
[4 marks]
D

Themes and Messages

Answer the following to explore the central themes conveyed through language and imagery.
1.
How does the poem explore the theme of human vulnerability against nature? Use specific language devices in your answer.
[3 marks]
2.
Discuss how the imagery in the poem reflects the tension between human effort and natural forces.
[3 marks]
3.
Compare the portrayal of power in 'Storm on the Island' with that in 'Ozymandias' by Percy Shelley. How does each poem use language to communicate ideas about power?
[6 marks]
E

Extended Response / Essay Planning

Plan or write a short essay analyzing how Heaney uses language devices and imagery to convey the poem's themes and effects on the reader.
1.
Using the quotes and analysis you've discussed, outline your response to the question: 'How does Seamus Heaney use language and imagery to explore human vulnerability and the power of nature in 'Storm on the Island'?'
[8 marks]

Unlock Full Worksheet & Answers

Get instant access to the complete worksheet, answer keys, and 1,899 others

Unlimited answer keys for all worksheets
Download clean, formatted PDFs
Customize and remix any worksheet

Cancel anytime • No commitment • Start today

Quick Actions

What is Remix?

Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.

  • • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
  • • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
  • • Add more questions (10 → 15)
  • • Adjust difficulty

Details

Created
12/30/2025
Updated
12/30/2025
Type
worksheet