Prelude Historical Context Flashcards
(16 cards)
What literary and cultural movement did The Prelude emerge from?
Romanticism
A movement reacting against the Enlightenment, valuing emotion, imagination, and nature.
What were the main values of the Romantic movement?
- Emotion
- Imagination
- Nature
These values were prioritized over reason and industrial progress.
What significant historical event influenced Wordsworth’s writing of The Prelude?
Industrial Revolution
It caused environmental degradation and social change, which Wordsworth addressed in his poem.
What concern does Wordsworth express in The Prelude regarding industrialization?
Loss of nature and traditional rural life
The poem highlights the spiritual importance of nature during rapid industrialisation.
How did the French Revolution influence Wordsworth?
Initially inspired by its ideals, later disillusioned by its violence
The Prelude reflects the tension between hope for progress and the realities of conflict.
What does The Prelude chart in Wordsworth’s life?
His development from childhood to maturity
It is an autobiographical work reflecting his experiences and growth.
What is the significance of the Lake District in The Prelude?
It symbolizes a sacred space and inspiration for Wordsworth
The natural environment plays a crucial role in shaping his love for nature.
What concept does the philosophy of the sublime refer to?
Nature’s overwhelming power and beauty
It highlights the limits of human understanding and control.
What was the Enlightenment’s focus compared to Romanticism?
Reason, science, logic, and progress
Romantics reacted against this, valuing emotion and spiritual experience.
Who was a significant philosophical influence on Wordsworth?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau’s idea of the ‘noble savage’ impacted Wordsworth’s views on nature and society.
What does the term ‘noble savage’ imply?
Humans are inherently good but corrupted by society
This concept is echoed in The Prelude regarding loss of innocence.
How did the Napoleonic Wars affect the themes in The Prelude?
Increased exploration of power, fear, and human suffering
The historical backdrop heightened the poem’s themes despite its personal nature.
What does individualism refer to in the context of the Romantic era?
Focus on the self and personal experience as sources of truth
This emphasis is central to the narrative of The Prelude.
How does Wordsworth view poetry in The Prelude?
As a tool for moral and philosophical inquiry
He believed poetry should uplift and deepen understanding of human nature.
Fill in the blank: The Prelude is sometimes called an _______.
autobiographical epic
It aims to explore the formation of the poet’s mind.
What does understanding the historical context of The Prelude help explain?
Wordsworth’s focus on nature and individual experience
It clarifies the tone of awe mixed with fear in his work.
