Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney is a poem that explores the power dynamics between humanity and nature, particularly during a violent storm. Through vivid imagery and stark language, Heaney portrays the vulnerability of human civilization in the face of the raw power of the natural world. You can read the poem below and find analysis and a video further down the page.
Storm on the Island by Seamus Heaney
We are prepared: we build our houses squat,
Sink walls in rock and roof them with good slate.
The wizened earth has never troubled us
With hay, so as you can see, there are no stacks
Or stooks that can be lost. Nor are there trees
Which might prove company when it blows full
Blast: you know what i mean - leaves and branches
Can raise a tragic chorus in a gale
So that you can listen to the thing you fear
Forgetting that it pummels your house too.
But there are no trees, no natural shelter.
You might think that the sea is company,
Exploding comfortably down on the cliffs
But no: when it begins, the flung spray hits
The very windows, spits like a tame cat
Turned savage. We just sit tight while wind dives
And strafes invisibly. Space is a salvo.
We are bombarded by the empty air.
Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear.
Analysis
Themes:
Power and Conflict: The central theme of the poem revolves around power and conflict, specifically the power struggle between humanity and nature. Heaney depicts the storm as a formidable force that threatens to overwhelm the inhabitants of the island. The conflict between the human desire for control and the uncontrollable forces of nature is evident throughout the poem.
Fear and Vulnerability: Heaney captures the fear and vulnerability experienced by the islanders as they confront the storm. The repeated references to "we" and "us" create a sense of collective anxiety and solidarity among the community as they huddle together in the safety of their homes. The threat of destruction looms large, highlighting the fragility of human civilisation in the face of natural disasters.
Isolation and Resilience: The poem also explores themes of isolation and resilience. The islanders are depicted as isolated from the outside world, cut off from the mainland and at the mercy of the elements. Despite their vulnerability, however, they demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of adversity, banding together to withstand the storm and protect their way of life.
Language and Structure:
Imagery: Heaney employs vivid imagery to convey the violence and chaos of the storm. Descriptions of "strafing" rain, "exploding" waves, and "spits" of shore evoke a sense of danger and impending doom, immersing the reader in the intensity of the moment. The use of sensory details allows the reader to experience the storm first-hand, heightening the poem's emotional impact.
Enjambment: The poem makes use of enjambment, with lines flowing seamlessly into one another without punctuation. This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, mirroring the relentless onslaught of the storm. The lack of punctuation also contributes to the poem's sense of urgency and intensity, conveying the chaos and unpredictability of the natural world.
Repetition: Heaney employs repetition to underscore key themes and ideas throughout the poem. The repeated use of phrases such as "strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear" and "spits like a tame cat turned savage" emphasises the islanders' sense of fear and awe in the face of the storm, as well as the paradoxical nature of their relationship with the natural world.
Conclusion:
"Storm on the Island" is a powerful exploration of the power dynamics between humanity and nature. Through vivid imagery, stark language, and a compelling structure, Heaney captures the fear, vulnerability, and resilience of the islanders as they confront the raw power of the storm.
You can find analysis of all the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.
