Extract From The Prelude Flashcards
“One summer evening I found a little boat tied to a willow tree” (2)
- “boat” - metaphor of man’s influence is anchored by the tree which represents nature
- The writer creates a calm setting at the start - tranquil imagery
“Small circles glittering idly in the moon until they melted all into one track of sparkling light”
shows that as we are leaving nature behind we realise how beautiful it actually is
“But now, like one who rows, proud of skill, to reach a chosen point with an unswerving line”
- Suggesting how powerful and how much superior man is compared to nature
- “But now” - suggests the suddenness of this
“Upon the summit if a craggy ridge, the horizon’s utmost boundary”
• mood change with the “craggy ridge” and “horizons boundary” - representing nature limiting the progress of humans
“Elfin pinnace”
• Metaphor - of the poets heated mood
“Went heaving through the water like a swan”
Simile - reminds us that anything man tries to produce is merely imitating nature which does it better
“The Horizon’s bound, a huge peak” and “with purpose of its own” (2)
- marks the shift in tone as the language becomes darker and dangerous - cynical tone
- the “huge peak” is personified “with its own purpose” - shows natures aggressive tone
Context (2)
- This poem was wrote at a time where poets looked at the world and man’s place within it
- The poem focuses at the spiritual and moral development of a man growing up
Themes
• This poem shows the conflict between man and nature where nature is eventually shown to be more powerful
Boating along: (3)
- During the poem the setting is of a journey in a boat
- the journey represents a more spiritual journey and it becomes more rough and hostile along the way
- At first, nature is shown at peace with poet - as it goes on to the horizon it becomes harsh and predatory, putting man back in his place
Structure
- Iambic pentameter - to give it a consistent pace
* “and” is repeated as the poem continues to give it a breathless pace and feel
