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’.
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.
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.
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
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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