Understanding the poem 'Extract from the Prelude'
I can explain the physical and spiritual journey of Wordsworth in 'Extract from the Prelude’.
Understanding the poem 'Extract from the Prelude'
I can explain the physical and spiritual journey of Wordsworth in 'Extract from the Prelude’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- This is an autobiographical poem, subtitled ‘The Growth of the Poet’s Mind’, documenting his formative experiences.
- In ‘Extract from the Prelude’ the narrator, a young Wordsworth, goes on a literal and spiritual journey.
- The sublime is the mixed feelings of awe and terror in response to a phenomenon.
- His transition from initial arrogance to humbled retreat suggests that man should respect nature’s supremacy.
Keywords
Stealth - cautious, secretive action or movement to avoid detection
Sublime - the mixed feelings of awe and terror in response to a phenomenon
Arrogance - being excessively proud and believing you are more important than others
Supremacy - the highest authority or greatest power
Autobiographical - based on the writer’s own life
Common misconception
The poem depicts nothing more than a physical journey across a lake.
The poem's physical journey symbolises a spiritual journey and the ''growth'' of Wordsworth.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding 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: Understanding 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.
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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 '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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