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Harry
19/07/2025
English Literature
Storm On The Island
8,475
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19 Jul 2025
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Storm on the Island: Summary, Themes, and Key Quotes for Kids
Storm on the Island: Key Quotations and Analysis
This page delves into some of the most significant quotes from Storm on the Island, offering a detailed analysis of their meaning and impact within the context of the poem.
Quote: "We are prepared: we build our houses squat"
This emphatic opening line sets the tone for the poem, showcasing the islanders' initial confidence in their preparations. The use of caesura (a break in the line) reinforces this sense of certainty and security.
Vocabulary: Caesura - A pause or break in a line of poetry, often for emphasis or rhythmic effect.
Quote: "You can listen to the thing you fear..."
This line employs danger imagery to involve the reader directly in the experience of the storm. It suggests that the fear is palpable and immediate, not just for the islanders but for the reader as well.
Quote: "Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear"
The juxtaposition in this final line highlights the irony of the situation. Despite all their physical preparations, what the islanders ultimately fear is something intangible – the air itself.
Definition: Juxtaposition - The placement of contrasting ideas side by side for emphasis.
Quote: "Spits like a tame cat/Turned savage"
This simile vividly illustrates the transformation of the seemingly harmless wind into a destructive force, emphasizing the unpredictable and violent nature of the storm.
Quote: "We are bombarded by the empty air"
This military metaphor likens the storm's assault to an air strike, further emphasizing its violence and the islanders' defenselessness.
Highlight: The contrast between the "huge nothing" of the air and the solid "rock" mentioned at the start of the poem underscores the storm's menacing power and the inadequacy of human preparations.
These key quotations work together to create a powerful portrayal of the storm's impact, both physically and psychologically, on the island community. They showcase Heaney's masterful use of language to convey the themes of human vulnerability and the overwhelming force of nature.
Storm on the Island: Context and Summary
Storm on the Island is a poem by Seamus Heaney that vividly describes a community's experience during a powerful storm. The poem's context is deeply rooted in Heaney's Irish background and may serve as a metaphor for the political climate of Northern Ireland.
Highlight: The first eight letters of the title spell "STORMONT", which is an estate in Belfast where the Northern Ireland Assembly sits, suggesting a potential political subtext.
The poem begins with a sense of preparedness and confidence among the islanders, who believe they have built their homes to withstand nature's fury. However, as the storm progresses, their initial security gives way to fear and a stark realization of their vulnerability in the face of nature's overwhelming power.
Quote: "We are prepared: we build our houses squat"
This opening line emphasizes the islanders' initial confidence, which is soon to be challenged by the storm's ferocity.
The Storm on the Island structure is carefully crafted to mirror the unpredictable nature of the storm itself. Heaney employs an irregular rhythm and rhyme scheme, creating a sense of unease and instability that reflects the storm's chaotic energy.
Highlight: The poem's structure shifts from creating images of safety to those of danger and destruction, mirroring the progression of the storm.
Heaney uses direct address throughout the poem, involving the reader in the experience and making the storm's threat feel more immediate and personal.
Example: The use of "you" in lines like "You can listen to the thing you fear" draws the reader into the islanders' perspective.
The Storm on the Island themes revolve around:
- The power of nature versus human preparedness
- Human vulnerability in the face of natural forces
- The unpredictability and violence of nature
- The contrast between perceived safety and actual danger
These themes are explored through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the storm's intensity to life.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Storm on the Island: Summary, Themes, and Key Quotes for Kids
Storm on the Islandby Seamus Heaney is a powerful poem that explores the impact of a fierce storm on an island community. The poem vividly depicts the islanders' initial confidence in their preparations, which gradually gives way to fear... Show more
Storm on the Island: Key Quotations and Analysis
This page delves into some of the most significant quotes from Storm on the Island, offering a detailed analysis of their meaning and impact within the context of the poem.
Quote: "We are prepared: we build our houses squat"
This emphatic opening line sets the tone for the poem, showcasing the islanders' initial confidence in their preparations. The use of caesura (a break in the line) reinforces this sense of certainty and security.
Vocabulary: Caesura - A pause or break in a line of poetry, often for emphasis or rhythmic effect.
Quote: "You can listen to the thing you fear..."
This line employs danger imagery to involve the reader directly in the experience of the storm. It suggests that the fear is palpable and immediate, not just for the islanders but for the reader as well.
Quote: "Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear"
The juxtaposition in this final line highlights the irony of the situation. Despite all their physical preparations, what the islanders ultimately fear is something intangible – the air itself.
Definition: Juxtaposition - The placement of contrasting ideas side by side for emphasis.
Quote: "Spits like a tame cat/Turned savage"
This simile vividly illustrates the transformation of the seemingly harmless wind into a destructive force, emphasizing the unpredictable and violent nature of the storm.
Quote: "We are bombarded by the empty air"
This military metaphor likens the storm's assault to an air strike, further emphasizing its violence and the islanders' defenselessness.
Highlight: The contrast between the "huge nothing" of the air and the solid "rock" mentioned at the start of the poem underscores the storm's menacing power and the inadequacy of human preparations.
These key quotations work together to create a powerful portrayal of the storm's impact, both physically and psychologically, on the island community. They showcase Heaney's masterful use of language to convey the themes of human vulnerability and the overwhelming force of nature.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Storm on the Island: Context and Summary
Storm on the Island is a poem by Seamus Heaney that vividly describes a community's experience during a powerful storm. The poem's context is deeply rooted in Heaney's Irish background and may serve as a metaphor for the political climate of Northern Ireland.
Highlight: The first eight letters of the title spell "STORMONT", which is an estate in Belfast where the Northern Ireland Assembly sits, suggesting a potential political subtext.
The poem begins with a sense of preparedness and confidence among the islanders, who believe they have built their homes to withstand nature's fury. However, as the storm progresses, their initial security gives way to fear and a stark realization of their vulnerability in the face of nature's overwhelming power.
Quote: "We are prepared: we build our houses squat"
This opening line emphasizes the islanders' initial confidence, which is soon to be challenged by the storm's ferocity.
The Storm on the Island structure is carefully crafted to mirror the unpredictable nature of the storm itself. Heaney employs an irregular rhythm and rhyme scheme, creating a sense of unease and instability that reflects the storm's chaotic energy.
Highlight: The poem's structure shifts from creating images of safety to those of danger and destruction, mirroring the progression of the storm.
Heaney uses direct address throughout the poem, involving the reader in the experience and making the storm's threat feel more immediate and personal.
Example: The use of "you" in lines like "You can listen to the thing you fear" draws the reader into the islanders' perspective.
The Storm on the Island themes revolve around:
- The power of nature versus human preparedness
- Human vulnerability in the face of natural forces
- The unpredictability and violence of nature
- The contrast between perceived safety and actual danger
These themes are explored through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the storm's intensity to life.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user