Extract From The Prelude

• What season is described at the beginning of the poem?

  Summer
• How does Wordsworth personify nature in the opening lines?


  He describes nature as his lover, illustrating a strong relationship.
• What does the boat tied to the willow tree symbolize in the poem?


  It symbolizes man's reliance on nature for survival.
• What does the 'rocky cove' metaphorically represent?


  It represents the imperfect allure of nature.
• What does the phrase 'act of stealth' imply about the narrator's actions?


  It implies a sense of secrecy and trespassing on nature.
• What does the oxymoron 'troubled pleasure' suggest about the narrator's feelings?


  It suggests he feels both ecstatic and guilty about disturbing nature.
• How does the personification of the mountains affect the narrator's perception?


  It creates a sense of supernatural omnipresence and intimidation.
• What simile is used to describe the narrator's movement through the water?


  He moves 'like a swan.'
• What does the 'huge peak, black and huge' symbolize in the poem?


  It symbolizes the intimidating power of nature.
• How does the repetition of 'huge' affect the reader's understanding of the peak?


  It emphasizes the vastness and intimidation of nature.
• What does the phrase 'trembling oars' illustrate about the narrator's state?


  It illustrates his fear and vulnerability in the face of nature.
• Where does the narrator return after fleeing the danger?

  To the covert of the willow tree.
• What does the darkness mentioned in the poem symbolize?


  It symbolizes solitude and the sinister side of nature.
• What long-term effect does the narrator experience from the incident?


  He learns that nature is more powerful than he initially thought.
• Who is the author of the poem discussed?

  William Wordsworth
• What is the context behind Wordsworth's writing of the poem?


  It reflects his spiritual growth and experiences in the Lake District.
• What are the main themes of the poem?

  • Beauty of nature
  • Power of nature
  • Guilt
• What language techniques are used in the poem?

  • Numinous
  • Imagery
  • Simile
  • Metaphor
  • Personification
  • Oxymoron
• What is the structure and form of the poem?


  • All in one stanza
  • No rhyme
  • Narrative poem
  • Blank verse
• What does the term 'numinous' refer to in the context of the poem?


  It refers to arousing spiritual or religious emotion.
• What does the semantic field of the poem focus on?


  It focuses on the beauty of nature.
• Why is the poem written in blank verse?


  To make it seem conversational and display feelings naturally.
• What is the effect of enjambment in the poem?


  It shows Wordsworth's urge to communicate and creates a natural flow.
• What types of conflict are present in the poem?

  Man vs. Nature and inner conflict of guilt and anxiety.
• What does the ambiguity of 'her' in the poem suggest?


  It suggests multiple interpretations, possibly referring to nature or a woman.
• What does the phrase 'small circle glittering' illustrate?

  It illustrates Wordsworth's deep love for nature.
• How does the boy's perception of life change in the poem?


  He realizes life is not as simple as he first thought.
• What does the personification of the mountain reveal about the narrator's feelings?


  It shows his understanding of nature as a powerful force.
• What does the phrase 'troubled pleasure' indicate about the narrator's experience?


  It indicates conflicting emotions of guilt and enjoyment.
• What does the poem start and end with?

  It starts with "one summer evening" and ends with "a trouble to my dreams."
• How does the shift in tone affect the poem?


  It contrasts the peaceful tone with a sense of fear and intimidation from nature.
• What does the poem ultimately show about Wordsworth's relationship with nature?


  It shows his recognition of nature's beauty and power.
• What year was "The Prelude" written?

  1850
• What personal experience influenced Wordsworth's writing of the poem?


  His experience of stealing a boat in the Peak District.
• What meter is the poem written in?

  Iambic pentameter
• What effect does the lack of rhyme have on the poem?

  It contributes to a conversational tone and naturalistic feel.
• What does the chronological structure of the poem achieve?


  It captivates the reader by telling a story.
• What does the use of enjambment signify in the poem?


  It shows Wordsworth's struggle to express his thoughts and emotions.
• What inner conflicts are depicted in the poem?

  Guilt and anxiety regarding man's relationship with nature.
• What does the phrase 'the horizon cannot be contained' suggest about Wordsworth's childhood experiences?


  It suggests a lack of control he felt after losing his parents.