Excerpt from The Prelude by William Wordsworth Flashcards
Context
19th century. British romantic poet. Male. Poet laureate. The prelude is a story of Wordsworth’s life as a journey, both literary in the Lake Distract where he was born and raised. But also metaphorically as he seeks to find his purpose. This extract is nostalgic with its thoughts about childhood and intense feelings of delight he experienced when he walked or played in the countryside. There is an appreciation for the natural world
One summer evening (led by her) I found / A little boat tied to a willow tree”
Wordsworth personifies nature as “her,” suggesting a guiding, maternal presence. The speaker’s casual discovery of the boat reflects his innocence and curiosity, which set the stage for the profound experience to follow. This opening conveys the poem’s reflective tone and foreshadows a spiritual encounter with nature.
It was an act of stealth / And troubled pleasure”
The phrase “troubled pleasure” captures the speaker’s conflicting emotions during the act of taking the boat. The oxymoron suggests both excitement and guilt, reflecting the moral and emotional complexity of the experience. This line marks the beginning of the speaker’s recognition that actions in nature carry deeper significance.
She was an elfin pinnace; lustily / I dipped my oars into the silent lake”
The boat is described as an “elfin pinnace,” a magical and delicate vessel, indicating the speaker’s imaginative and almost playful perspective. The act of rowing “lustily” conveys a sense of youthful energy and confidence, emphasizing the speaker’s initial perception of nature as something to be conquered or enjoyed.
The horizon’s bound, a huge peak, black and huge, / As if with voluntary power instinct, / Upreared its head.”
The sudden appearance of the mountain shifts the tone dramatically. The repetition of “huge” and the personification of the peak create a sense of awe and intimidation. Nature is no longer playful or gentle; it becomes a powerful and almost menacing force. This moment reflects the speaker’s realization of nature’s vastness and his own insignificance.
And growing still in stature, the grim shape / Towered up between me and the stars”
The mountain’s “grim shape” suggests an overwhelming, almost supernatural presence. Its growing stature symbolizes the speaker’s escalating fear and the deepening impact of the encounter. The imagery conveys the sublime—nature’s power to inspire both awe and terror.
With trembling oars I turned, / And through the silent water stole my way / Back to the covert of the willow tree.”
The speaker’s return is marked by fear and humility. The “trembling oars” reflect his emotional response to the encounter, and “stole my way” echoes the earlier “act of stealth,” implying a newfound respect for nature. This moment signifies a shift from youthful confidence to a more reflective and humbled state.
There hung a darkness, call it solitude / Or blank desertion.”
The aftermath of the encounter is marked by an emotional “darkness,” representing the speaker’s sense of alienation and awe. Words like “solitude” and “desertion” convey the profound psychological impact of the experience, as the speaker grapples with nature’s power and mystery.
Themes
The Sublime in Nature
Youth and Innocence
The Moral and Spiritual Power of Nature
Memory and Reflection
The Sublime in Nature
The poem captures the overwhelming power of nature, which evokes both awe and fear. This transformative experience reveals nature’s ability to inspire deeper understanding and humility.
Youth and Innocence
The speaker’s youthful confidence and curiosity contrast sharply with the humility and self-awareness he gains after his encounter with the mountain.
The Moral and Spiritual Power of Nature
Nature is depicted as a teacher, shaping the speaker’s character and understanding of the world. The experience highlights nature’s role in moral and spiritual growth.
Memory and Reflection
The poem is reflective, with the adult speaker revisiting a pivotal moment in his youth. This structure emphasizes the lasting impact of formative experience
Poem overview
In this excerpt from The Prelude, Wordsworth explores the transformative power of nature. The speaker’s encounter with the mountain shifts his perspective, teaching him humility and instilling a sense of awe for the natural world. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Wordsworth highlights nature’s ability to shape human thought and morality, illustrating his Romantic belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
