Wordsworth's Prelude Analysis

Wordsworth describes rowing across Oldswater Lake as an act of stealth.

The poem is structured as a series of short sentences to convey clarity.

In the beginning, Wordsworth refers to the boat as an 'elfin pinis'.

The speaker's confidence grows after encountering the large mountain.

Enjambment is used in the poem to reinforce feelings of calmness and control.

The repetition of 'no' reflects the speaker's confidence in describing nature.

Similar themes of human power are explored in the poems Ozymandias and My Last Duchess.

Wordsworth felt overwhelmed and drained of importance after his experience with nature.

The poem contrasts the speaker's early sense of control with nature’s absolute vulnerability.

Extract from the Prelude

The poem recounts a true childhood experience of Wordsworth.
Wordsworth rows a boat across Oldswater Lake in the Lake District.
Wordsworth portrays rowing as clandestine, feeling no guilt about using the boat.
Positive imagery showcases Wordsworth's perceived power while rowing.
Initial depiction of the boat as "little" evolves to "elfin pinis," reflecting growing self-assurance.
A large mountain appears, overwhelming Wordsworth's sense of self.
The experience diminishes Wordsworth's prior sense of self-importance.
The poem's continuous sentence structure echoes the overwhelming experience of nature.
Enjambment reinforces the immersive, powerful natural scene.
Repetition of "no" suggests the speaker's diminished confidence and struggle to articulate nature's magnitude.
The poem contrasts the speaker's initial self-perception with nature's true power.

Comparing to other poems

Poems exploring similar themes of misplaced human power include Ozymandias, My Last Duchess, Kamikaze, and Tissue.
Poems shared similar themes regarding the power of nature include Kamikaze, Storm on the Island, Exposure, and Tissue.

This quiz explores the themes and techniques used in Wordsworth's Prelude, focusing on a childhood experience of rowing across Oldswater Lake. It delves into the poet's imagery, structure, and the emotional impact of nature on his sense of self. Test your understanding of the poem's significance and literary devices.