Understanding the poem 'Storm on the Island'
I can explain how Heaney presents the power of nature and ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland in ‘Storm on the Island’.
Understanding the poem 'Storm on the Island'
I can explain how Heaney presents the power of nature and ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland in ‘Storm on the Island’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘Storm on the Island’ can be read as a poem about the power of nature on the Aran Islands.
- Heaney may have been influenced by the conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland.
- ‘Storm on the Island’ was published in 1996, when the IRA were carrying out military operations in Northern Ireland.
- The storm can be read as an extended metaphor for ‘The Troubles’.
- 'The Troubles' refers to a violent thirty-year civil conflict in Ireland which led to around 3,500 deaths.
Keywords
Extended Metaphor - a metaphor that extends over the course of several lines
Civil - relating to citizens of the same country
Unrest - a state of disturbance, involving public disorder
Common misconception
There is only one interpretation of the poem 'Storm on the Island'.
The poem can be a reflection of the power of nature, conflict between humans and nature, the political conflict or all.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem 'Storm on the Island', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem 'Storm on the Island', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Power and Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the AQA Power & Conflict Poetry Anthology for GCSE.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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