The Prelude

• What question does Wordsworth ask in his poem?

  Should we be ashamed of sexual desire?
• How do we perceive sexual freedom historically?

  It is associated with the modern age.
• What is a common misconception about the Victorian era's view on sexuality?

  People think it was entirely repressed.
• When did Queen Victoria reign?

  From 1819 to 1901.
• How was sexuality viewed in the 1700s compared to the Victorian era?

  It was more permissive in the 1700s.
• What was a courtesan in the 1700s?

  A paid mistress with social acceptance.
• How did wealthy men view their relationships with courtesans?

  They acknowledged them publicly.
• What does Wordsworth's background suggest about his views on sexuality?

  He had a different perspective than Victorians.
• Why might Wordsworth's poem not reflect Victorian views on sexuality?

  It was published posthumously at age 80.
• What is the difference between sensuality and sexuality?

  Sensuality is enjoyment of physical sensations.
• How does Wordsworth describe nature in relation to sexuality?

  He uses sensual descriptions to imply sexuality.
• What does the term "her" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to nature, not the boat.
• What does the act of loosening the chain symbolize?

  It symbolizes sexual freedom and desire.
• What does "troubled pleasure" imply in Wordsworth's poem?

  It suggests guilt associated with desire.
• How does Wordsworth's language suggest a sexual interpretation?

  He uses words that imply sexual meanings.
• What does the simile "like a swan" represent?

  It symbolizes loyalty and commitment.
• What does the phrase "huge and mighty forms" suggest about Wordsworth's feelings?

  It indicates feelings of guilt and unease.
• What historical context does Wordsworth's relationship with his sister provide?

  It suggests possible incestuous feelings.
• What significant event occurred before Wordsworth's wedding?

  He had a complex relationship with his sister.
• How did Wordsworth's upbringing influence his views on sexuality?

  He grew up in a permissive environment.
• What does the phrase "bastard in the day" refer to?

  It refers to a child born out of wedlock.
• What does the term "repression" imply in the context of Wordsworth's poem?

  It implies societal shame about sexual desire.
• How does Wordsworth's experience in France relate to his views on sexuality?

  He had a mistress and a child there.
• What does the phrase "unknown modes of being" suggest?

  It suggests confusion about his desires.
• What does the crossing out of text in Dorothy's notebook imply?

  It suggests hidden or controversial feelings.
• Why did Dorothy not attend Wordsworth's wedding?

  It suggests a complex relationship with him.
• How does the interpretation of incest affect the reading of the poem?

  It adds layers of guilt and complexity.
• What is the significance of Wordsworth's relationship with his mistress?

  It shows openness about his sexuality.
• How does the historical context influence the interpretation of Wordsworth's poem?

  It reveals societal attitudes towards sexuality.