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”
Which words suggest he’s afraid and guile and wants to hide away as he feels like an intruder?
“stole” “covert”
What does the quotation “in grave and serious mood” suggest?
That it has had a big impact on him and it may be a reminder of his own mortality
What quotation shows the impact was long lasting?
“for many days”
What quotation uses vague language to show that the narrator doesn’t understand what he’s seen - he’s struggling to describe it?
“Of unknown modes of being;”
What quotation suggests the narrator is left feeling alone and unsettled?
“there hung a darkness, call it solitude”
What quotation suggests that the narrator no longer thinks of nature in terms of pretty images - he’s learnt theres more to it than that?
“no pleasant images of trees, of sea or sky”
What quotation shows that nature is being described as a powerful, conscience being that can influence our lives?
“But huge and mighty forms, that do not live like living men”
What is the effective of the final line “trouble to my dreams”?
It is an unsettling image which helps the reader to emphasise with hime. There is a huge contrast to the tone and mood at the start.
What is the context of the poem?
- Wordsworth presents romantic ideals of the power of nature
- This was an autobiographical poem based on his childhood
