The Prelude Flashcards
What quotation represents a happy, rural image?
“a little boat tied to a willow tree”
What word shows that the narrator appears confident?
“straight”
What quotation shows that the narrator knows what he’s doing and is the first clue that something isn’t right?
“an act of stealth”
What oxymoron hints at the narrator’s guilt?
“troubled pleasure”
What effect does “leaving” “still “small’ “melted all” “light” have?
The succession if “l” sounds help the poem flow, like the boat
What quotations show the narrators confidence, perhaps arrogance?
“Proud of his skill/With an unswerving line”
In which quotation does the emptiness contrast with the horizon, making the appearance of the mountain more shocking?
“The horizon’s utmost boundary; far above was nothing but the stars and they grey sky”
What metaphor is used to make the scene seem magical and otherworldly, but still not threatening?
“she was an elfin pinnace”
What simile is used to show that he’s confident and in control?
“like a swan”
Which word declares a volta?
“when,”
What quotation shows a mountain appears on the horizon? (threatening language)
“The horizon’s bound, a huge peak, black and huge”
In which quotation is the mountain personified, which contrasts to the earlier beautiful images of the boat?
“upreared its head”
What quotation makes it seem like the mountain is getting bigger and so making it sound like a nightmare?
” i struck and struck again , and growing still in stature”
What effect does “shape” “stars” and “still” have?
The repetition of sibilant sounds creates a sinister mood
Which quotations suggest the mountain is calm, powerful and in control - contrasting with the narrator’s fear?
“purpose of its own” “measured motion” “strode after me”