Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney

THEMES

VIOLENCE
NATURE

This poem focuses on the power of nature and how you have to be prepared to protect yourself against its destructive force.

"We are prepared"

Look at all the powerful, dynamic verbs used to show the movement and force of the storm.

"spits like a tamed cat turned savage"

There is also a semantic field of war, suggesting that the storm can be compared to a battle.

"dives and strafes" - this is what planes do and particularly war planes.

Consider what the fighting sides are - The people against nature? The IRA against the British?

Don't forget that the title could suggest the topic is the fighting in Ireland as it has the word STORMONT hidden in the title and this is the Irish parliament.

Good luck.