the prelude Flashcards
what are the main themes in the prelude
power of nature
what is the poem context for the prelude
an extended metaphor for the spiritual journey of the poet.
utilises the journey of the river to mirror the poets own spiritual journey. the conflict between man and nature is caused by mans attempt to control nature
what is the context for Wordsworth
was inspired to write about the lake district and base of real events of him sailing a boat and the discovery of natures power and made him understand the superiority
what is the rhyme scheme in the prelude and what does this depict
regular rhyme scheme to make it seem like natural speech as he replays the spiritual journey
what does the first person narrative depict in the prelude
sounds personal, like a turning point in ones life. the blank verse and dramatic monologue reflect this
what are the two main analytical points to make about the prelude
power of nature and mans connection to nature
what are three quotes to depict the point of the power of nature
“upreared its head”
“struck and struck again”
“huge peak, black and huge”
write a short analysis for the quote “upreared its head”
personification, aggressive and unexpected behaviour, recalling as a child trying to make sense of natures sudden violent behaviour comparing it to human features. juxtapose how nature was working with him
write a short analysis for the quote “stuck and struck again”
repetition, showing his struggle to overpower nature, going against the natural pathway of the water
write a short analysis for the quote “huge peak, black and huge”
shows the dominance of nature, repetition present its huge size although maybe this was just perspective of child. creates a dark atomosphere ovrer the once “idly” lake
what are the three quotes to depict the point of mans connection to nature
“heaving through the water like a swan”
“troubled pleasures”
“her”
write a small analysis for the quote “heaving through the water like a swan”
simile, describes how he saw himself as one with nature. heaving juxtaposes the word swan who are arguably elegant and he is the opposite
write a small analysis for the quote “troubled pleasures”
stealing the boat was something he shouldn’t do but enjoys, he knows he shouldn’t steal the boat but feels entitled to enjoy nature. presenting his arrogance
oxymoron
write a small analysis for the word “her”
repetition of her, personification, believes he had a relationship with the boat. sees as a guidance, a motherly figure as his own mother died young. arguably this is what causes his spiritual journey and makes him a changed man, as nature betrayed him and therefore so did his mother
what poems can be compared to the prelude and include two points of comparison
storm on the island - depict nature as powerful and both discover truths of the world, conflict with nature is different (physical and psychological)
exposure - presented as an inescapable force, nature holds power in different ways, prelude is psychological using visual imagery and exposure is physically using violent imagery
