Prelude

Question 1

Key themes/surface meaning?

Answer 1

conflict between man and nature where nature is eventually shown to be more powerful in the end

Question 2

Deeper meaning?

Answer 2

man’s attempt to manipulate nature. The poem changes from Euphony (pleasant sounding words) to a Cacophony (harsh and rough sounding words.) Man is temporary compared to the power of nature; what we do is futile as we are transient. Nature will ultimately overshadow man.

Question 3

Quote 1 and explanation?

Answer 3

‘a little boat tied to a willow tree’ - boat is a metaphor of man’s influence, still anchored by the tree representing nature.

Question 4

Quote 2 and explanation?

Answer 4

‘Went heaving through the water like a swan’ - simile, reminds us that anything man tides to produce in merely imitating nature which does it best.

Question 5

Quote 3 and explanation?

Answer 5

‘Huge peak’ - metaphor, obstacle

Question 6

Structure?

Answer 6

Extended metaphor

Question 7

Poet?

Answer 7

Wordsworth