poetry - the prelude

Question 1

“There hung a darkness” - what does this quote mean (technique and meaning)

Answer 1

Dark colour imagery. This highlights the haunting effect of the experience on the speaker. The verb “hung” indicates that the narrator was unable to get rid of these disturbing thoughts and feelings.

Question 2

“…And were a trouble to my dreams” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 2

Vague language. The language used by the narrator to describe the effect of the experience is vague. This highlights how the narrator is confused and unsettled by the experience.

Question 3

“I struck and struck again” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 3

Repetition and violent language. The repetition of “I struck and struck again” highlights the speaker’s panic and fear. Violent language is introduced into the poem for the first time, signifying man’s battle with nature.

Question 4

“Small circles glittering idly in the moon” - what is the meaning of this quote

Answer 4

Imagery. The poet creates positive images of beauty at the start of the poem, presenting nature as awe-inspiring and magical.

Question 5

“A huge peak, black and huge” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 5

Personification of nature. Nature is personified and characterised as something menacing and frightening. “Black” is associated with ideas of power and death. Breaks iambic pentameter. Shows how overwhelming the experience was and how nature’s power cannot be tamed.

Question 6

“Troubled pleasure” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 6

Contrasting words. These contrasting words create a sense of foreboding.

Question 7

“One summer evening (led by her)” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 7

Personification of nature. Nature is powerful, but also benevolent and gentle at this point.