The Prelude Flashcards
What does the quote “One summer evening (led by her) I found A little boat tied to a willow tree” show
Wordsworth contrasts nature’s power with human actions as nature, personified, guides the speaker to a boat, symbolising the nurturing and guiding role of nature.
What does the quote “Straight I unloosed her chain, and stepping in Pushed from the shore. It was an act of stealth” show
The speaker steals the boat, suggesting a moment of rebellion against societal norms, yet finds pleasure in the act, hinting at the allure of nature’s freedom.
What does the quote “Like one who rows, proud of his skill” show
The speaker’s pride in rowing reflects human confidence, but also foreshadows the impending confrontation with nature’s overwhelming power.
What does the quote “She was an elfin pinnace; lustily I dipped my oars into the silent lake” show
Describing the personified boat as “elfin” adds a magical, supernatural quality to the poem. The speaker believes he can control nature.
What does the quote “… a huge peak, black and huge, As if with voluntary power instinct, Upreared its head … “ show
The mountain’s emergence portrays nature as a sentient force, heightening tension and fear. Wordsworth shifts from a tranquil depiction of nature to one of ominous foreboding.
What does the quote “With trembling oars I turned” show
The trembling oars signify the speaker’s fear and the shift in power dynamics as nature becomes threatening. Wordsworth illustrates nature’s unpredictability and the speaker’s awe.
What does the quote “There in her mooring-place I left my bark” show
Returning the boat signifies the end of the encounter, but the speaker is left with a troubled mind, indicating the profound impact of his encounter with nature and his understanding of his place within it.
What does the quote “… my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being” show
The encounter with nature alters the speaker’s worldview, leading to introspection and a sense of unease about the unknown aspects of existence.
What does the quote “Huge and mighty forms, that do not live Like living men …” show
The speaker’s thoughts are consumed by powerful yet lifeless images, symbolising the overwhelming presence of nature in his mind.
What does the quote “… No familiar shapes Remained, no pleasant images of trees, Of sea or sky, no colours of green fields;” show
The speaker’s perception shifts from innocence to vulnerability, symbolising the loss of childhood security and the realisation of nature’s capacity for both beauty and danger.
What is the form in the poem
-First person narrative
-It sounds personal and describes a turning point in the poets life
-the use of iambic pentameter makes it sounds serious and important
-the regular rhythm makes it sound like natural speech
What is the structure in the poem
-In the first stanza the tone is fairly light and carefree
-there’s a distinct change when the mountain appears the tone becomes darker and more fearful
-in the final section the narrator reflects on how the experience has changed him
What is the beautiful language in the poem
The poem begins with a series of pretty, pastoral images of nature
What is the confident language in the poem
-The narrator appears sure of himself at first, almost arrogant in his view of himself and his place in the world
-he gives the impression of feeling powerful
What is the dramatic language in the poem
-The initial glimpses of threatening language become more intense after the mountain appears
-the narrator comes to understand how powerful nature is
