Prelude Form and Structure Flashcards
(18 cards)
What type of poem is The Prelude?
Epic autobiographical poem
It explores the development of the poet’s mind.
What is the form of verse used in The Prelude?
Blank verse: unrhymed iambic pentameter
This consists of 10 syllables per line with a da-DUM rhythm.
What effect does the steady, natural rhythm of blank verse have?
Mirrors human speech, giving a conversational yet elevated tone
This makes it ideal for philosophical reflection.
What narrative perspective is used in The Prelude?
First-person narrative
This creates a personal and intimate tone.
How does the first-person narrative affect the reader’s experience?
Allows the reader to experience the psychological journey directly
It reflects memory and personal growth.
What are the three parts of the emotional shift in the structure?
Beginning, Middle, End
The progression reflects the speaker’s emotional and psychological development.
What characterizes the Beginning phase in the emotional shift?
Confidence and Control
The speaker feels confident, even arrogant, while rowing the boat.
What happens in the Middle phase of the emotional shift?
Sudden Shift / Volta
A turning point occurs when the speaker sees the threatening mountain.
What is the focus of the End phase in the emotional shift?
Fear and Reflection
The speaker feels overwhelmed and traumatized by the experience.
What literary devices are used in The Prelude?
Enjambment and Caesura
These devices reflect the speaker’s changing mental state.
What does enjambment represent in the poem?
Lines flow without punctuation
This mirrors the smooth motion of the boat and flow of thought.
What is the effect of caesura in The Prelude?
Occasional pauses slow the pace
This occurs during moments of reflection or shock.
How is the structure of The Prelude formatted?
One continuous block of verse with no stanza breaks
This reflects the unstoppable nature of the experience.
What is the overall effect of having no stanza breaks?
Creates a sense of continuity and inevitability
It resembles the movement of time and memory.
What is the summary of the form and structure for exam use?
Form: Blank verse, first-person; Structure: Three-part emotional shift
Confidence → Fear → Reflection.
What does the term bildungsroman refer to in the context of The Prelude?
Coming-of-age narrative
It reflects the speaker’s psychological journey.
Fill in the blank: The Prelude is written in _______.
blank verse
True or False: The Prelude uses a rhymed verse format.
False
