1. This poem tells of a man from the Caribbean who lives now in London.
Island Man
This poem tells of a man from the Caribbean who lives now in London.
Many Afro-Caribbeans in Britain live a split existence. They yearn for the warm islands of ‘home’ but find themselves in a cold, Northern climate.

2. Where does the man seem to be at first? What makes you think that?
Island Man
Where does the man seem to be at first?
What makes you think that?

3. Island Man How would you describe life on the island?
What colours are used to describe it?

4. Island Man On which line does the poem change?
How is this change of meaning in the poem shown in its layout?

5. Island Man What impression do you get of London from the poem?
What sounds and colours are there?

6. List some contrasts between London and the Caribbean in this poem.
Island Man
List some contrasts between London and the Caribbean in this poem.
Hints:
Colours
Sounds
Nature
Machines
Surroundings etc

7. Island Man Underline the verbs in this poem.
How do they contribute to the poem’s meaning?

8. Island Man
Think about the title of this poem. Both Britain and the Caribbean island of the man’s birth could be the island of the title. Why do you think Nichols chose this title?
Do you think the Island Man is remembering the Caribbean accurately or is it a bit of a fantasy?
Why do you think he left?