Extract from the Prelude & Bayonet Charge

Conflict - Man vs. Nature

Both "The Prelude" and "Bayonet Charge" depict an individual's confrontation with overwhelming natural forces, highlighting human vulnerability and the relentless power of the environment. In "The Prelude," the narrator's awe and fear of the towering peak symbolize nature's dominance, while in "Bayonet Charge," the chaotic battlefield underscores nature's indifference to human suffering.

Conflict - Internal Turmoil

"The Prelude" and "Bayonet Charge" explore the internal conflicts experienced by their protagonists, driven by sudden, intense encounters that challenge their perceptions and beliefs. Wordsworth’s narrator grapples with existential fear and awe, while Hughes' soldier is torn between patriotic duty and the instinctual urge for survival.

Conflict - Idealism vs. Reality

Both poems contrast idealistic perceptions with harsh realities, emphasizing the disillusionment that follows. In "The Prelude," the serene beauty of nature is disrupted by a terrifying vision, while in "Bayonet Charge," the soldier's patriotic ideals are shattered by the brutal reality of war.

Conflict - Psychological Strain

The psychological strain experienced by the protagonists in both poems reveals the profound impact of their respective conflicts. Wordsworth’s encounter with the sublime leaves a lingering sense of unease and altered perception, while Hughes’ soldier's terror and confusion manifest as a visceral response to the immediate danger of battle.

Power - Sublime Nature

In "The Prelude," nature's power is depicted through its ability to inspire awe and fear, profoundly impacting the narrator's psyche. Similarly, "Bayonet Charge" conveys the raw, untamed power of the natural world through the chaotic and destructive battlefield setting.

Power - Overwhelming Forces

Both poems illustrate the overwhelming power of external forces, whether natural or man-made, that dwarf human agency. In "The Prelude," the looming peak represents nature's majestic and intimidating power, while in "Bayonet Charge," the mechanized fury of war demonstrates the overpowering force of human conflict.

Power - Psychological Impact

The power of both nature and war to affect the mind is central to each poem, revealing how external forces can reshape internal landscapes. Wordsworth’s experience leaves him with a lasting sense of the sublime's terror, while Hughes' soldier's psychological state is dominated by the immediate, visceral fear of combat.

Power - Transformative Encounters

Encounters with powerful forces lead to profound transformations in both protagonists, illustrating the enduring impact of such experiences. In "The Prelude," the narrator’s perception of the world is irrevocably changed by the sublime vision, while in "Bayonet Charge," the soldier's encounter with the horrors of war leads to a fundamental shift in his understanding of duty and survival.

Conflict - Man vs. Nature - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "a huge peak, black and huge, As if with voluntary power instinct, Upreared its head."
Method: Personification. This shows nature as an active, almost sentient force, intimidating the narrator and highlighting the conflict between man and the natural world.

Conflict - Man vs. Nature - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "Bullets smacking the belly out of the air."
Method: Personification. This conveys the destructive impact of warfare on the natural environment, emphasizing the conflict between human violence and the natural world.

Conflict - Internal Turmoil - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "That spectacle, for many days, my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being."
Method: Abstract Noun. This reflects the narrator’s internal struggle and confusion following the intense experience, emphasizing the psychological conflict.

Conflict - Internal Turmoil - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "In bewilderment then he almost stopped – In what cold clockwork of the stars and the nations Was he the hand pointing that second?"
Method: Metaphor. This shows the soldier's internal conflict and confusion, questioning his role and purpose in the larger machinery of war.

Conflict - Idealism vs. Reality - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "Proud of his skill, to reach a chosen point With an unswerving line, I fixed my view Upon the summit of a craggy ridge."
Method: Irony. The initial confidence and idealism of the narrator are contrasted with the later fear and awe, highlighting the conflict between his expectations and reality.

Conflict - Idealism vs. Reality - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "The patriotic tear that had brimmed in his eye Sweating like molten iron from the centre of his chest."
Method: Simile. This shows the soldier's initial idealism being melted away by the harsh reality of war, emphasizing the conflict between romanticized notions of war and its brutal truth.

Conflict - Psychological Strain - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "For many days, my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being."
Method: Abstract Noun. This illustrates the lasting psychological impact of the sublime experience, reflecting the ongoing mental conflict and strain on the narrator.

Conflict - Psychological Strain - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "His terror’s touchy dynamite."
Method: Metaphor. This depicts the overwhelming psychological strain of war, where fear and terror have a volatile and explosive effect on the soldier’s psyche.

Power - Sublime Nature - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "a huge peak, black and huge, As if with voluntary power instinct, Upreared its head."
Method: Personification. This highlights nature’s immense and intimidating power, presenting it as a dominant force that profoundly impacts the narrator.

Power - Sublime Nature - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "The yellow hare that rolled like a flame And crawled in a threshing circle."
Method: Simile. This illustrates the destructive power of nature in the chaos of war, using the image of the hare to reflect the uncontrollable force of the battlefield.

Power - Overwhelming Forces - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "The horizon’s utmost boundary; far above Was nothing but the stars and the grey sky."
Method: Imagery. This conveys the overwhelming and boundless power of nature, illustrating how the natural world extends beyond human control and understanding.

Power - Overwhelming Forces - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "His rifle numb as a smashed arm."
Method: Simile. This emphasizes the overwhelming power of the battlefield by depicting the soldier’s weapon as a lifeless, incapacitated object, underscoring the force of the conflict.

Power - Psychological Impact - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "That spectacle, for many days, my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being."
Method: Abstract Noun. This reflects the profound psychological impact of the sublime experience, showing how the power of nature affects the narrator’s mental state.

Power - Psychological Impact - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "His terror’s touchy dynamite."
Method: Metaphor. This conveys the psychological power of fear and terror in combat, illustrating how these emotions exert a profound influence on the soldier’s psyche.

Power - Transformative Encounters - (The Prelude) (Quote 1)

Quote: "For many days, my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being."
Method: Abstract Noun. This shows the transformative effect of the sublime encounter, indicating how the narrator's perception and understanding are deeply altered.

Power - Transformative Encounters - (Bayonet Charge) (Quote 2)

Quote: "King, honour, human dignity, etcetera Dropped like luxuries in a yelling alarm."
Method: Metaphor. This illustrates the transformative power of war on the soldier’s values and beliefs, showing how survival instincts override previously held ideals.

Conflict - Man vs. Nature - Authors’ Intent

In both Wordsworth's "The Prelude" and Hughes' "Bayonet Charge," the conflict between man and nature is vividly explored. Wordsworth, writing during the early 19th century Romantic era, used nature’s sublime power to reflect the dramatic tension between human ambition and the overwhelming forces of the natural world. His portrayal of nature's grandeur serves to highlight the insignificance and vulnerability of humanity against its might. Similarly, Hughes' "Bayonet Charge," written amidst the devastation of World War II, illustrates the destructive impact of modern warfare on the environment. Hughes depicts the battlefield as a chaotic landscape where natural elements are both a backdrop and an active participant in the soldier’s struggle. Both poets aim to evoke a sense of awe and fear, engaging audiences with the profound and often overwhelming power of nature in contrasting historical contexts.

Conflict - Internal Turmoil - Authors’ Intent

Wordsworth’s "The Prelude" and Hughes' "Bayonet Charge" both delve into the internal conflicts experienced by individuals in extreme circumstances. Wordsworth, reflecting on his encounters with the sublime nature of the early 19th century, presents the psychological turmoil that follows profound experiences with the natural world. His intention was to explore how such moments can lead to lasting mental struggles, revealing the deep impact of these encounters on personal identity. Conversely, Hughes, writing during World War II, captures the disorienting effects of combat on a soldier's psyche. The soldier’s internal conflict, marked by confusion and disillusionment, reflects Hughes’ intent to portray the emotional and mental strain of war. Both poets use internal conflict to engage their audiences, illustrating the complex interplay between external events and psychological responses.

Conflict - Idealism vs. Reality - Authors’ Intent

In "The Prelude," Wordsworth contrasts youthful idealism with the sobering reality of nature's power, reflecting a Romantic fascination with the clash between human aspirations and the vast, uncontrollable natural world. His intention was to depict how initial confidence can be shattered by the overwhelming presence of nature, emphasizing the gap between human ideals and reality. Hughes' "Bayonet Charge" similarly addresses the clash between heroic ideals and the brutal reality of warfare. Written during World War II, Hughes depicts the soldier’s disillusionment as patriotic fervor is replaced by the harsh truths of battle. Both poets engage their audiences by revealing the stark contrast between romanticized notions and the often harsh realities faced by individuals in their respective contexts.

Conflict - Psychological Strain - Authors’ Intent

Both "The Prelude" and "Bayonet Charge" explore the theme of psychological strain under extreme conditions. Wordsworth’s "The Prelude," written in the early 19th century, delves into the mental impact of sublime experiences with nature, portraying how such encounters lead to profound internal shifts. His intention was to illustrate the ongoing psychological effects of these experiences on the individual’s sense of self. In contrast, Hughes' "Bayonet Charge," set against the backdrop of World War II, depicts the intense psychological strain experienced by soldiers in combat. Hughes aims to convey the overwhelming fear and emotional turmoil resulting from the chaos of war. Both poems highlight the profound impact of external experiences on the individual’s mental state, engaging audiences with the emotional depth of psychological strain.

Power - Sublime Nature - Authors’ Intent

In "The Prelude," Wordsworth uses the sublime aspects of nature to explore its immense power and majesty, reflecting the Romantic era’s emphasis on nature’s overwhelming beauty and force. Written during a time of industrialization, Wordsworth's intention was to highlight nature's grandeur and its ability to inspire awe and fear. Similarly, Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge," written during World War II, portrays the destructive power of nature amidst the chaos of battle, illustrating how the natural environment contributes to the conflict. Hughes’ aim was to depict nature as an indifferent force in the face of human suffering. Both poets use the concept of sublime nature to engage their audiences, emphasizing its powerful and often uncontrollable influence.

Power - Overwhelming Forces - Authors’ Intent

Wordsworth’s "The Prelude" and Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge" both address the theme of overwhelming forces, though in different contexts. Wordsworth, writing in the early 19th century, presents nature as a vast and overpowering force that dwarfs human efforts and achievements. His intention was to reflect the Romantic fascination with nature's immense and often intimidating power. In "Bayonet Charge," Hughes portrays the overwhelming forces of modern warfare, illustrating the crushing weight of battle on soldiers. Written during World War II, Hughes aims to highlight the dehumanizing aspects of combat. Both poets depict how overwhelming forces impact individuals, engaging their audiences by emphasizing the struggle against powerful external forces.

Power - Psychological Impact - Authors’ Intent

Both Wordsworth’s "The Prelude" and Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge" explore the psychological impact of their respective settings. Wordsworth, writing during the Romantic period, examines how encounters with the sublime nature can profoundly affect the narrator’s mental state, reflecting the Romantic interest in psychological depth. His intention was to show how nature's power can lead to lasting psychological changes. Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge," written during World War II, focuses on the psychological impact of combat, depicting the fear and mental strain experienced by soldiers. Hughes aims to convey the emotional and psychological toll of war. Both poets use their respective contexts to engage their audiences with the deep psychological effects of their experiences.

Power - Transformative Encounters - Authors’ Intent

Wordsworth’s "The Prelude" and Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge" both examine how transformative encounters shape individuals. Wordsworth’s Romantic-era poem reflects on how sublime experiences with nature can alter one’s perception and understanding of the world. His intention was to illustrate the profound impact of such encounters on personal transformation and perception. Hughes’ "Bayonet Charge," set during World War II, portrays how the extreme conditions of war can fundamentally alter a soldier’s values and beliefs. Hughes aims to depict the transformative effect of combat on personal ideals and perceptions. Both poets engage their audiences by showing how transformative experiences can lead to significant changes in understanding and personal identity.

Who wrote bayonet charge and what is it about

"Bayonet Charge" was written by Ted Hughes. Published in 1957 as part of his collection Hawk in the Rain, the poem is a vivid depiction of a soldier’s experience during World War II. The poem portrays a soldier’s physical and emotional journey during a battle, focusing on a single, intense charge across a battlefield. It explores the themes of fear, confusion, and disillusionment. Through powerful imagery and vivid descriptions, Hughes captures the chaos of combat and the internal struggle of the soldier. The poem reflects on the conflict between heroic ideals and the brutal reality of war, highlighting the stark contrast between patriotic fervor and the harsh experience of battle.

who wrote the extract from the prelude and what is the extract from the prelude about

The extract from The Prelude was written by William Wordsworth. The Prelude is an autobiographical poem that reflects Wordsworth's personal development and his relationship with nature. In this extract, Wordsworth recounts a dramatic experience from his youth. He describes a night-time boat journey on a lake, during which he encounters a massive, intimidating mountain peak. The experience profoundly affects him, leading to feelings of awe and terror. The extract explores the conflict between human ambition and the overwhelming power of nature, as well as the psychological impact of such sublime encounters. Wordsworth uses this encounter to illustrate the transformative effect of nature on the human mind, revealing how profound experiences with the natural world can lead to significant internal and existential reflections.