Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude'

English

In 'AQA Power and Conflict Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of power and conflict. In 'AQA Power and Conflict Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils explore how poets presents the atrocities of World War One through their poetry. In 'AQA Power and Conflict Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different wars have been presented through poetry.

Poetry anthology: first study

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which type of poem is 'Extract from The Prelude'?

What technique is used in the quote from 'Extract from The Prelude': ''small circles glittering idly in the moon, until they melted all into one track of sparkling light''?

Before the volta in 'Extract from The Prelude', how does Wordsworth describe nature?

He is humbled by his existential epiphany about nature's power

After the volta in 'Extract from The Prelude', how is Wordsworth changed?

it shows his inability to articulate the sheer power of nature

Why does Wordsworth use monosyllabic words after seeing the mountain peak in 'Extract from The Prelude'? Choose the most sophisticated interpretation.

repetition to show confusion about his own position in the world

cacophony to show discord between Wordsworth and his relationship with nature

Which technique does this line from 'Extract from The Prelude' use and what does it show? ''...of sea or sky, no colours of green fields; but huge and mighty forms''?

What type of poem is 'Extract from The Prelude'?

he believes a small cliff is the highest point of nature

he thinks he can row without being restricted by the craggy ridge

How does Wordsworth show his naivety in the line from 'Extract from the Prelude': ''I fixed my view upon the summit of a craggy ridge, the horizon's utmost boundary''?

Wordsworth sees a weak animal in the water

What marks the volta of 'Extract from The Prelude'?

How does Wordsworth view nature after the volta of 'Extract from The Prelude'?

''Huge and mighty forms that do not live like living men''

Which quote from 'Extract from The Prelude' best illustrates Wordsworth's reflection on experiencing the sublime?

it was an uncomfortable existential thought that nature was superior to man

he did not know how to tell his family about what he had seen

''But huge and mighty forms...moved...through the mind by day, and were a trouble to my dreams.'' Why might Wordsworth have been ''troubled'' by his experience in 'Extract from The Prelude'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz