Extract from, The Prelude

Question 1

What is the main message of the poem?

Answer 1

• Human power is virtually nothing compared to the power of nature so don’t be arrogant with power and don’t underestimate nature

Question 2

What type of poem is this?

Answer 2

• Autobiographical poem (about Wordsworth’s own experience.)

Question 3

What is the significance of Wordsworth referring to nature as a she?

Answer 3

• Beauty of nature

Question 4

How does Wordsworth feel when he finds the boat?

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

Give examples in the poem when the beauty and serene nature of NATURE is described

Answer 5

• water “glittering idly in the moon.”
• “sparkling light.”
• “stars”
• Pastoral imagery

Question 6

How are nature and Wordsworth working harmoniously together at the beginning of the poem?

Answer 6

• When he is rowing and the light melts into one track.

Question 7

What is the significance of Wordsworth recognising a “craggy ridge?”

Answer 7

• 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…

Question 8

What technique is used and why?
“heaving through water like a swan”

Answer 8

• Simile
• Boat won’t be able to achieve what a swan can - boat isn’t gliding, rather it is “heaving.”

Question 9

How does Wordsworth describe the mountain the minute he sees it and why?

Answer 9

• He describes it as: “a huge peak, black and huge.”
• Repetition of adjective “huge” - he is unable to describe nature: beyond human understanding.

Question 10

What does the sudden shift to dangerous nature from relaxing nature show?

Answer 10

• The unpredictable nature of nature.
• Nature is always one step ahead of humans - even if we think we are smarter….

Question 11

How is the mountain described by Wordsworth?

Answer 11

• “Still in stature”:
• “like a living thing” - Simile, power of nature, he feels intimidated by it.
• “Strode after me” - personification. Intimidating side of nature.

Question 12

What is the significance of the mountain towering between Wordsworth and the stars?

Answer 12

• The peaceful side of nature has gone!!

Question 13

What is the significance of the mountain being “still in stature?”

Answer 13

• Indestructible
• He was able to manipulate water but can’t do the same with the mountain.

Question 14

What are willow trees known to be a symbol of?

Answer 14

• Protection. This is why he goes back to the tree after seeing the mountain.

Question 15

How did Wordsworth react after seeing the mountain?

Answer 15

• Trying to move away from it
• He “struck” and “struck”
• “tremling oars.”

Question 16

What is the significance of Wordsworth being in a “grave and serios mood” after seeing the mountain?

Answer 16

• He is unable to forget about it. Nature has a powerful impact on his thoughts .

Question 17

How is a horror atmosphere created at the end of the poem?

Answer 17

• “there hung a darkness, call it solitude.”

Question 18

What is the significance of Wordsworth calling nature: “unknown modes of being” and things that “do not live like men?”

Answer 18

• Supernatural element to nature
• Nature cannot be fully understood.

Question 19

What is the form of this poem?

Answer 19

• Epic poem.

Question 20

What were most epic poems about at the time?

Answer 20

• War, history, religion

Question 21

What is the significance of Wordsworth writing an epic poem about himself?

Answer 21

• Wrote this poem about himself, shows that the thoughts of one person are worthy of an epic poem.

Question 22

When was The Prelude written?

Answer 22

• 19th century.