Milton Acorn, “The Island”

  1. What does the simile in the first stanza suggest about the social atmosphere of Prince Edward Island?
  2. Acorn says that “nowhere is there a spot not measured by hands.” How does this suggest the size of the island? What contrast is implied by the “beaches that roar”?
  3. Explain the phrase “any wonder your eyelashes are wings to fly your look both in and out.” What do you see when you look in? What do you see when you look out?
  4. Explain the image “in the fanged jaws of the Gulf, / a red tongue.” What Gulf? What colour is the soil of Prince Edward Island?