Question 1: Describe the overall structure of 'Storm on the Island'. How is the poem organized, and what is the significance of its structure?

Answer: The poem consists of regular quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, creating a steady, rhythmic pattern that mimics the relentless nature of the storm. The structure builds tension, reflecting the speaker's confrontation with nature's power.

Question 2: Analyze the opening lines. How do they set the tone and structure of the poem?

Answer: The opening lines introduce a calm, controlled tone, describing the island's resilience. The structured, measured lines contrast with the chaos of the storm, emphasizing the tension between stability and threat.

Question 3: Identify and explain the use of stanza breaks. How do they affect the reader's understanding of the poem?

Answer: Stanza breaks separate different ideas — the calm before the storm, the storm itself, and the aftermath. They create pauses that allow the reader to reflect on each phase, heightening the sense of progression and tension.

Question 4: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'We are prepared: we build our houses squat, / Sink walls in rock and roof them with good slate.' How does this reflect the poem’s structure and themes?

Answer: Key words like 'prepared', 'build', 'sink', and 'roof' are action verbs that suggest resilience and effort. The structured, deliberate line length mirrors human effort to withstand natural forces, reinforcing themes of resilience versus vulnerability.

Question 5: How does the poem's consistent rhyme scheme contribute to its overall impact?

Answer: The consistent rhyme scheme creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect, emphasizing the persistent threat of the storm and the resilience of the people, while also reflecting the natural order and control.

Question 6: Compare the structural features of 'Storm on the Island' with another poem from the Power and Conflict anthology, such as 'Ozymandias'. What are the similarities and differences?

Answer: Both poems use structured forms; 'Storm on the Island' employs regular quatrains to mirror stability and tension, while 'Ozymandias' uses sonnet form to emphasize the grandeur and eventual decay of power. 'Storm'’s structure creates tension through rhythm, whereas 'Ozymandias’ structure underscores the impermanence of human achievement.

Question 7: Explain how the structure of the poem enhances the theme of human resilience in the face of natural forces.

Answer: The regular, stable structure of the poem, with its steady rhyme scheme and measured stanzas, reflects human attempts to impose order and resilience in the face of chaos. The build-up and contrast within the structure mirror the ongoing struggle to endure natural threats.