Extract from the prelude Flashcards
What’s the purpose of the prelude
 Criticise the arrogance of human assumption of power when nature is superior
What is the perspective of the Prelude
First person and past tense as it is an autobiography
What was Wordsworth childhood like
Both parents died at an early age and spent childhood in the Lake District
Why did Wordsworth oppose the industrial revolution
It was removing nature
As a romantic poet what did Wordsworth favour
Simpler and natural forms of poetry
What is the form of the prelude
It is an epic poem which gives a lengthy narrative with a heroic protagonist
Who is the heroic protagonist in the prelude
Arguably it could be considered nature personified not Wordsworth
What’s the effect of the stanza length of the prelude
It is a single stanza emphasising that overwhelming power of nature
What’s the effect of the cyclical structure
Emphasises that the change that took place was internal and psychological
Analyse ‘led by her’
Wordsworth uses personification to describe nature
Nature can be seen as female in that is responsible for the feminine task of nurturing and sustaining life just like a mother
Analyse ‘that spectacle for many days’
The encounter has irreversibly changed Wordsworth and his mind which is reflective of the power of nature on society and on individual
Analyse ‘but huge mighty forms that do not live like living men’
The speaker thinks he’s in control but he is just following nature showing he is controlled by a greater force
by this Wordsworth may be suggesting how mankind always thinks it’s in control but it is always subject to nature
