“Strange, it is a huge nothing we fear” is the last line in Seamus Heaney’s poem, “Storm on the Island”. Written by a Northern Irish, and Nobel Prize winner, Heaney, the poem’s setting was influenced by the writer’s countryside lifestyle. The reader can infer from the title of the poem that it revolves around nature. The setting of an island immediately plants a sense of isolation, and anxiety; however, the poem sprouts threads of various themes. In dominance of all, the author frequently refers to one, that is, despite the frequent trials of overcoming fears and preparations made, one cannot control the arbitrary storm.
The author begins with a warlike toned line determining that preparations are made. He describes the solid houses, rigid
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The three basic elements emphasize the simple yet capable power of nature. First, earth is described as “wizened” serving as an image for lack of natural resources, and reliability. Second, the author moves to air, and intensifies the wind into blowing full blast. Third, and last, the water conquers the cliffs. The author also associates the sea’s spitting with that of a “tame cat turned savage” as if nature’s rage is fated to the people on the island. Heaney uses first person pronouns such as “we” and by that, he speaks forth representing the people on the island. Furthermore, Heaney’s generalization on behalf of the people living on the island creates a faded scent of unity and connection between the people despite its insignificance in front of nature. Moreover, the usage of such pronouns and the addition of second person engages the reader in the text as if the reader is living through the three stages of the storm: earth, air, and water. Only via the three basic elements of nature and using character pronouns, Heaney was able to maintain a well-supported argument that we cannot escape our fears despite how trivial the reasons might