Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude'
I can analyse the big ideas in ‘Extract from The Prelude’.
Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude'
I can analyse the big ideas in ‘Extract from The Prelude’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Initially, Wordsworth presents himself as a hero, later nature is presented as an extraordinary presence.
- Imagery of man’s arrogant efforts to dominate nature are repeated across the poem, warning of his inferiority to nature.
- Pretty aural and visual imagery early in the poem contrasts with cacophony after the volta.
- The monosyllabic description of the mountain shows how nature transcends the world of man.
- The poem explores both power and conflict: man's conflict with himself after learning the true power of nature.
Keywords
Epic Poetry - a long poem narrating the deeds of legendary or heroic figures
Cacophony - a harsh discordant mixture of sounds
Volta - sudden shift in emotion
Awe - a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder
Monosyllabic - consisting of one syllable
Common misconception
The use of the epic form is just to show Wordsworth's adventure.
The use of epic form may suggest how nature is a heroic or legendary presence worthy of the epic poem form.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Power and Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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