A Prelude

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

.Romantic poet
.Glorifies nature and presents it as being destructive
.Pantheist views of nature - God is everywhere

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

.Epic poem - all about his growth - this is from Book 1 which focuses on childhood
.Blank verse - unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter - natural conversation
.Autobiographical - memory of the past - first person

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Volta - line 22
Repetition of “And” - breathlessness
Enjambment
End-stopped lines
Caesura

Question 4

Quotations

Answer 4

.“(led by her)” – Power of nature / Personification of nature
Nature appears almost magical, controlling and seductive.

.“Act of stealth / And troubled pleasure” – Guilt / Duality of experience
Shows internal conflict: joy mixed with guilt for defying nature or rules.

.“Proud of his skill” – Arrogance / Youth / Confidence
Shows human pride before nature humbles him.
.“A huge peak, black and huge” / “upreared its head” / “towered” / “strode” – Power of nature / Fear / Awe
Violent personification of nature showing its dominance.
.“Hung a darkness” / “trouble to my dreams” – Lasting fear / Sublime / Psychological impact
The overwhelming experience stays with him and changes him.