storm and prelude comparison

Question 1

how does each present power of nature

Answer 1

the prelude presents the power of nature as psychologically overwhelming and almost spiritual. (personal transformative shock)

in storm natures power is more physical and immediate, shown through the violent imagery of the storm battering the island but still ends up having a psychological effect (slow burning fear rooted in uncertainty)

Question 2

give me a quote from each poem showing the contrasting power of nature

Answer 2

prelude (psychological) - a huge peak, black and huge… I struck and struck again - nature causes a shift in his perception, haunting him afterwards - repetition of ‘huge’ emphasises the overwhelming size and power of the mountain

storm - (physical) - we are bombarded by the empty air - speaker confronts the physical danger - ‘bombarded’ is a military metaphor, suggesting a violent attack, as if nature is at war with the islanders - ‘it is a huge nothing that we fear’ -shows that the physical storm is not is what is mostly affecting the people but the psychological pressure

Question 3

how do they both show that the power of nature has an effect over humans

Answer 3

nature has a psychological effect over humans but shown in different ways

prelude shows this power is a transformative internal shock . whereas in storm this psychological effect is the pressure built up by the storm that never happens.

Question 4

how is conflict compared

Answer 4

prelude - conflict is internal
storm - external - involving the community vs nature

prelude - mans arrogance challenged by nature
storm - mans preparation tested by nature

Question 5

another way to compare power

Answer 5

prelude - power upon one person
storm - power upon a community

Question 6

overall

Answer 6

how people deal with power

Question 7

how are they the same

Answer 7

both show theme of man vs nature and both shows nature as powerful