Extract from, The Prelude Flashcards
What is the main message of the poem?
- Human power is virtually nothing compared to the power of nature so don’t be arrogant with power and don’t underestimate nature
What type of poem is this?
- Autobiographical poem (about Wordsworth’s own experience.)
What is the significance of Wordsworth referring to nature as a she?
- Beauty of nature
How does Wordsworth feel when he finds the boat?
- Proud
- “troubled pleasure” - oxymoron: feels like he might get caught from stealing it.
- He thinks he is better than nature: able to steal boat from willow tree.
Give examples in the poem when the beauty and serene nature of NATURE is described
- water “glittering idly in the moon.”
- “sparkling light.”
- “stars”
- Pastoral imagery
How are nature and Wordsworth working harmoniously together at the beginning of the poem?
- When he is rowing and the light melts into one track.
What is the significance of Wordsworth recognising a “craggy ridge?”
- Juxtaposition!
- He thinks he is smart but he isn’t as smart as nature. This ridge is all he sees at the moment but it will get bigger…
What technique is used and why?
“heaving through water like a swan”
- Simile
- Boat won’t be able to achieve what a swan can - boat isn’t gliding, rather it is “heaving.”
How does Wordsworth describe the mountain the minute he sees it and why?
- He describes it as: “a huge peak, black and huge.”
- Repetition of adjective “huge” - he is unable to describe nature: beyond human understanding.
What does the sudden shift to dangerous nature from relaxing nature show?
- The unpredictable nature of nature.
- Nature is always one step ahead of humans - even if we think we are smarter….
How is the mountain described by Wordsworth?
- “Still in stature”:
- “like a living thing” - Simile, power of nature, he feels intimidated by it.
- “Strode after me” - personification. Intimidating side of nature.
What is the significance of the mountain towering between Wordsworth and the stars?
- The peaceful side of nature has gone!!
What is the significance of the mountain being “still in stature?”
- Indestructible
- He was able to manipulate water but can’t do the same with the mountain.
What are willow trees known to be a symbol of?
- Protection. This is why he goes back to the tree after seeing the mountain.
How did Wordsworth react after seeing the mountain?
- Trying to move away from it
- He “struck” and “struck”
- “tremling oars.”