Poetry: Power and Conflict: The Prelude Flashcards
What is the thesis statement for William Wordsworth’s “The Prelude”?
In his epic poem “The Prelude”, the romantic poet Wordsworth seeks to reveal that a place can have a lot of power over humans.
What does the phrase “and were a trouble to my dreams” signify in “The Prelude”?
Nightmarish and sinister imagery describing the lasting effect on him; he cannot see nature the same again, which contrasts with “A little boat tied to a willow tree.”
What does the term “elfin pinnace” suggest in “The Prelude”?
His boat is small and weak, but he believes he can control it, indicating his perceived power over nature.
What is the significance of “A little boat tied to a willow tree” in “The Prelude”?
The boat represents humanity, and the willow represents nature, suggesting humanity and nature can work together. The natural imagery creates a calm, serene, and peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with “and were a trouble to my dreams.”
What does “With an unswerving line” imply in “The Prelude”?
“unswerving” Implies confidence and hubris, perhaps also naivety, in the narrator’s journey.
What is notable about the structure of “The Prelude”?
It is an epic poem, typically about heroic journeys, but the narrator does not return as a hero.
What is the contextual significance of Wordsworth’s background for “The Prelude”?
Wordsworth is considered one of the “fathers” of Romantic poetry, helping to launch the Romantic Age with his joint publication with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lyrical Ballads. His birthplace and living with his grandparents in a wild and rugged place greatly influenced his writing.
