The Prelude

Who is "The Prelude" written by?

William Wordsworth

What is the context of The Prelude?

• As a young boy, Wordsworth developed a deep affection for the Lake District as he spent a lot of time there

• Wordsworth was a romantic poet, meaning he particularly focused on the power of nature

• Wordsworth’s aim was to write a three part autobiographical epic called “The Recluse”. He wanted to present ideas from his past then explore their philosophical significance through the medium of nature and society

What is the key idea of “The Prelude”?

• Criticises the arrogance of human assumption of power when nature is superior

• It is not nature that he is afraid of but the realisation of his own ignorance and insignificance (discover himself and role in the world)

What is the structure of “The Prelude”?

• Single stanza/enjambment to reflect the overwhelming power of nature

• Cyclical structure (spiritual not physical journey)

What other poems can you compare “The Prelude” to?

• Exposure + Storm on the Island (Power of nature)

• Ozymandias (Pride)

• Remains (Individual experiences have changed the narrators)

"Proud of his skill, to reach a chosen point"

• He is a representation of humanity - humanity's pride in its importance and ability

• Believes he is in control of where he is going despite being led by nature. Deceived into a sense of control, but nature chose the point as a destination where he would be humbled

• Suggests that it is only when mankind tries to work against nature that it become arduous and laborious

"heaving through the water like a swan"

• Juxtaposition: “heaving” connotes sustained, intense physical effort, whereas "swan" connotes effortlessness and gracefulness

• The illusion of control is broken as the mountain rises from the water, and nature’s supremacy becomes apparent

"Upreared its head. I struck and struck again,"

• Use of personification suggests the mountain seems to be living with intent and purpose; it wanted to reveal itself

• Juxtaposes to how nature was working with him at first, but has now turned against him

• Repetition of “struck” shows the true power of nature is now being revealed and the speaker is struggling to continue on his journey - nature has the ultimate control

"like a living thing, Strode after me"

• Simile: implies the speaker is now choosing to personify nature but to above his level; as something other-worldly

• "Strode" implies a lot of strength, demonstrating the power of the mountain

"trouble to my dreams"

• Nature transcends mankind and it is not bound by time or restrictions of life

• Therefore, nature takes many forms to demonstrate its power and this phrase shows the long term impact nature has on him, this transformative effect could also be considered humbling but haunting (as it connotes nightmares)

• Suggests that the encounter and what he has seen has now irreversibly changed him and his mind - reflects the immense power nature can have on both society and an individual