Storm on the Island Man and the Natural World Quotes

The earth is dried up and there is no hay (or anything else, really). Nature isn't giving these people anything at all. It's pretty stingy, actually. That's a bit unusual for a poem with nature at the focus. Heaney's twice upended our expectations: with the title we thought we might be getting some tropical paradise, and now he's debunking the idea that nature is this generous and bountiful thing. In this case, nature's pretty harsh, in fact.

If the people considered looking to nature for company, they'd better look again. There are no trees either. These lines really work to establish a sense of isolation. Not only are these people on an island, but the island itself is kind of desolate.

Not only is nature not very good company, but it's pretty threatening too. The sound of the wind sounds spooky. When Heaney opens line 7 with "Blast," it's as if the wind is assaulting us with its force. Take cover, everybody, Mother Nature isn't in a very friendly mood today.

Just to reiterate: there are no trees on the island (or any other natural shelter). Heaney goes out of his way to explain what Mother Nature has neglected to provide. He puts the image of trees and natural shelter in our minds (by writing it), and then quickly erases them by reminding us that they're not there. So, rather than being blissfully ignorant about what the people might want or need, we're painfully aware of what's lacking.

Again, the people look for company in nature, but it's a total no-go. The ocean spray, which at first seems soft and inviting, ends up being vicious during the storm. Heaney's totally calling us out here. He's all like, "Hey, you might think Mother Nature is cool and everything, but you'd be way off; she's being a real beast right now." This is similar to what he did in the previous lines with "no trees, no natural shelter." It emphasizes what comforts the island is lacking by bringing it up.

Look out, now the wind has become totally vicious. Mother Nature has turned mean, and she's attacking the homes of the people. This seems to be the turning point in the poem where nature isn't just stingy, but downright violent and threatening.

Again, the wind is attacking the house. Not only is the relationship between the people in nature not harmonious, it's downright hostile right now. And Mother Nature is one resourceful lady. She's managed to make air, empty air for that matter, as dangerous as any weapon.