Extract from The Prelude Flashcards
(9 cards)
Who was The Prelude (Extract) written by?
William Wordsworth
What is The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth about? 3 points.
-Extract begins on a summer evening when the speaker finds a boat tied to a tree. He unties the boat and takes it onto the lake.
-The speaker seems happy, until he sees a huge mountain rise up — it scares him and makes him realise nature’s power.
-After the experience, he feels haunted, and his view of nature changes.
What is the form of The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth about?
Blank verse - (Unrhymed Written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line, da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM) )
What effect does blank verse have on The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
Sounds like natural speech - Makes it feel personal, reflective
Allows flexibility (no rhyme) - Poets can focus more on meaning and rhythm
What is the structure of The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
One large stanza - which mirrors a flow of uninterrupted memory = effect on our speaker
How does the poet use volta (turning point) in The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
“When, from behind that craggy steep…” The mood shifts from calm to fear
How does the poet use imagery in The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
“Small circles glittering idly in the moon” Peaceful, magical nature emphasizing the power of nature
How does the poet use personification in The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
“The grim shape / Towered up”
Makes the mountain feel alive and threatening - sense of fear and awe, showing how nature is no longer beautiful, but powerful and dominating.
What is the context in The Prelude (Extract) – William Wordsworth?
Wordsworth was a Romantic poet who believed nature had the power to shape the human mind.
This extract is from the first part (his early childhood).
It focuses on a real memory: stealing a boat and being overwhelmed by nature.
