The Prelude Flashcards
What is the initial action of the narrator in ‘The Prelude: Stealing the Boat’?
The narrator unlooses a little boat tied to a willow tree and pushes from the shore.
This act is described as one of stealth.
How does the narrator feel about his actions?
The narrator feels a mix of confidence and guilt, indicated by the oxymoron ‘troubled pleasure’.
This suggests that he knows he is doing something wrong.
What imagery is used to describe the boat?
The boat is described as an ‘elfin pinnace’, creating a magical and otherworldly scene.
This contrasts with the later appearance of the mountain.
What change occurs when the mountain appears?
The tone shifts to darker and more threatening language as the mountain is personified and described as ‘black and huge’.
This marks a turning point in the poem.
What effect does the mountain have on the narrator?
The mountain grows larger and seems to pursue the narrator, creating a sense of fear and urgency.
This evokes a nightmarish quality.
How does the narrator’s perception of nature change?
The narrator moves from seeing nature as beautiful to recognizing its powerful and potentially threatening aspects.
He learns that nature can influence human lives.
What is the lasting impact of the event on the narrator?
The event leaves the narrator with a serious mood and a sense of solitude, indicating a profound change in his understanding.
He feels unsettled and alone after the experience.
What does the repetition of sibilant sounds create?
The repetition of sibilant sounds creates a sinister mood, reflecting the narrator’s fear and guilt.
This emphasizes his feeling of being an intruder in nature.
