Understanding 'Excerpt from The Prelude' by William Wordsworth

English

In 'Poetry anthology continued', pupils used a range of reading skills to aid in the supported decoding of challenging poems. In 'Unseen Poetry', pupils use these reading skills to decode texts with independence.

In 'Poetry anthology' pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems. in 'Poetry anthology continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

Poetry anthology: continued study

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which of the following statements about 'The Prelude' are true?

a very dark, frightening and intense setting

a very rural, domestic and tranquil setting

What kind of setting does Wordsworth create in the beginning of the 'The Prelude'?

Complete the quotation from Wordsworth's 'The Prelude': "The {{ }} loud bellowing, and the hunted hare."

Wordsworth hated the cold, so only enjoyed nature during the summer.

He had a deep appreciation for nature and spent much of his time outdoors.

He was a Romantic poet, and often explored the power of nature in his work.

Wordsworth's relationship with nature changed after his mother died.

What do we know about Wordsworth's relationship with nature?

It shows us that the past (our memories) does not shape our present and future.

It demonstrates the sheer power of our childhood memories.

It shows us how fleeting memories are - they do not last.

Arguably, it shows us how precious memories were to Wordsworth.

What might Wordsworth's 'The Prelude' teach us about memory?

that it is entirely based on the writer's life

that it is partly-based on the writer's life

If something is autobiographical, what does that mean?

What kind of mood is created here in the opening to Wordsworth's 'The Prelude': "And in the frosty season, when the sun/ Was set, and visible for many a mile"? 

What method is used in the following quotation from Wordsworth's 'The Prelude': "We hiss'd along the polish'd ice"?

imagine a brighter and more hopeful future

ignore or repress one's feelings and emotions

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz