An Extract From The Prelude Flashcards
What is the poem about?
On a summer evening the narrator finds a boat tied to a tree and takes it out on a lake. He seems happy and confident and describes a beautiful scene but when a mountain appears he fears the its size and power. He turns around to go home but his view on nature has changed
What narrative form does this poem take and what is the emphasis of that?
First person, sounds personal and describes a turning point in the poets life
What makes the poem sound more serious and important?
The use of blank verse
What does impact does regular rhyme have on the Poem?
It makes it sound like natural speech
What are the 3 main structures in the extract?
First, time is fairly light and carefree. The distinct change when mountains appear - tone becomes darker; more fearful. Final section, narrator reflects on how the experience has changed him.
Give examples of beautiful language throughout the poem and the effect of this
“A little boat tied to a willow tree” - happy rural image
“She was an elfin pinnace” - metaphor of ‘a fairy boat’ makes the poem seem magical and otherworldly, contrast to threatening
Give a quote that shows how the narrator no longer views the nature in terms of a pretty image
“No pleasant image of trees, of sea or sky”
Show aspects of confident language in the poem through quotes and explanations
“It’s usual home” makes it appear familiar to him
“Proud of his skill […] with unswerving line” almost arrogant, contrasts to later in the poem
Show aspects of dramatic language through quotes with explanation
“The horizons bound, a huge peak, black and huge” -language is different, darker and more threatening
“Upreared it’s head” “purpose of its own”-personification, as an ugly image - contrasts to beautiful scene before
Show aspects of fearful language in the poem through quotes and explanations
“I struck and struck again” repetition acts as stutter, showing fear in the narrators voice
“And growing still in stature” continue growing, makes it appear like a nightmare
“There hung a darkness, call it solitude” - left feeling alone and unsettled
How is the attitude of confidence shown in the poem?
The narrator feels comfortable to start with, but confidence in himself and the world around him is shaken by the one event
How is the attitude of fear shown in the poem?
Nature is shown to be more powerful than a human being. The narrator is left with a feeling of awe and respect for nature but he is also scared for it
How is the attitude of reflection shown in the poem?
The poem ends with with the narrator reflecting in how he’s been changed by the event. His thoughts and dreams are still troubled by what he’s experienced
