prelude fella Flashcards
learn all dis and more by monday no pressure :) (19 cards)
What is the primary theme of ‘Excerpt from The Prelude’ by William Wordsworth?
The power and beauty of nature
The poem captures a childhood memory of ice skating and explores themes of innocence and freedom.
What literary movement is William Wordsworth associated with?
Romanticism
Romantic poets focused on nature, humanity, and emotion, often opposing industrialization.
What is the structure of ‘Excerpt from The Prelude’?
Single stanza with enjambment and caesura
The structure reflects continuous motion and shifts in tone.
What type of verse does Wordsworth use in this poem?
Blank verse written in iambic pentameter
This form reinforces the authenticity of the speaker’s voice.
Fill in the blank: The poem begins with a lyrical description of a _______ evening.
frosty
What does the speaker compare himself to when he is joyful?
An untir’d horse
This simile conveys the speaker’s exuberance and carefree spirit.
What sensory language does Wordsworth use to enhance the poem’s imagery?
Sibilance
Sibilance heightens the beauty of the celestial description.
What contrasting elements are present in the poem’s language?
Rustic warmth vs. natural cold
This contrast is illustrated through descriptions of cottage windows and icy crags.
What is the effect of enjambment in the poem?
Creates momentum and reflects continuous motion
It mirrors the experience of skating.
What is the tone shift observed in the poem?
From excitement and adventure to fear and awe
The shift reflects the passing of time and the power of nature.
True or False: The poem ends with a description of the night sky.
True
What does the final line of the poem evoke?
A feeling of closure
It uses celestial imagery to conclude the memory.
Which two poems are suggested for comparison with ‘Excerpt from The Prelude’?
- ‘To Autumn’ by John Keats
- ‘Death of a Naturalist’ by Seamus Heaney
What does Wordsworth’s poem reveal about his childhood?
Personal details and a simpler, more natural past
The autobiographical nature emphasizes his reflections on youth.
Fill in the blank: Wordsworth’s language has a childlike _______ and authenticity.
simplicity
What is the significance of the ‘clock strikes six’ moment in the poem?
Roots the episode in time and place
This moment highlights the joy of the experience.
What does the phrase ‘the din of voices’ suggest about the atmosphere?
A lively, joyful environment
It conveys the excitement of the skating experience.
How does Wordsworth convey the theme of innocence and youth?
Through childlike verbs and joyous imagery
Words like ‘wheel’d’, ‘flew’, and ‘hiss’d’ reflect carefree movement.
What does the poem ultimately express about nature?
Its beauty and awesome, threatening power
The contrasting descriptions highlight both joy and fear.
