Question 1: Briefly describe the historical and cultural context of 'Storm on the Island' and how it influences the poem's themes.

Answer: The poem reflects Ireland's history of conflict and the resilience of its people, emphasizing the tension between human vulnerability and the power of nature.

Question 1: What is the significance of the line 'We are prepared: we build our houses squat, / Sink walls in rock and roof them with good slate' in conveying human resilience?

Answer: It shows the villagers' efforts to protect themselves against nature, highlighting themes of resilience and human determination.

Question 2: Analyze the line 'Spits like a tame cat turned savage'—what does this metaphor suggest about the wind, and how does it affect the reader's perception?

Answer: The metaphor compares the wind to a domesticated cat that has become fierce, emphasizing nature's unpredictability and threat, which creates tension and awe.

Question 1: Find and explain the metaphor in the line 'The wind dives and strafes like a tame cat turned savage.'

Answer: The metaphor compares the wind to a tame cat that has become savage, emphasizing the wind's violent and uncontrollable nature, heightening the sense of danger.

Question 2: Identify a personification in the poem and discuss how it contributes to the poem's tone.

Answer: The phrase 'Storm would break' personifies the storm as an active force capable of destruction, creating an ominous tone.

Question 1: How does Heaney explore the theme of nature's power versus human vulnerability?

Answer: Heaney depicts nature as a formidable, uncontrollable force that challenges human efforts to dominate or protect, highlighting human vulnerability in the face of natural power.

Question 2: Discuss how the poem addresses the theme of conflict, both external and internal.

Answer: Externally, the poem portrays the struggle between humans and natural forces; internally, it reflects the tension between human resilience and fear.

Question 1: Identify two key points for comparing how both poems explore the theme of power and its impermanence.

Answer: Both poems depict the fleeting nature of human power—'Ozymandias' through the ruined statue symbolizing lost authority, and 'Storm on the Island' through the destructive force of nature challenging human efforts to control the environment.

Question 1: Analyze the quote: 'We just sit tight while wind dives and strafes.'

Answer: The phrase 'sit tight' suggests resilience and acceptance of danger, while 'wind dives and strafes' uses violent imagery to depict nature's aggressive power, emphasizing the ongoing threat.

Question 2: Deeply analyze the phrase 'There are no trees, no natural shelter' and discuss how this impacts the reader's understanding of vulnerability.

Answer: The absence of trees and shelter highlights exposure and fragility, reinforcing the idea that humans are defenseless against natural forces, heightening a sense of danger and vulnerability.

Question 1: Draft an outline or paragraph discussing Heaney's portrayal of human resilience in the face of natural adversity and how this contributes to the poem's overall message.

Answer: Heaney presents resilience through imagery of human effort—building walls and preparing for storms—yet contrasts this with the destructive power of nature, suggesting resilience is both necessary and ultimately limited. The tone underscores respect for nature's strength, emphasizing human vulnerability but also determination to endure.