Question 1: Examine lines 1-4: 'There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, / The earth, and every common sight / To me did seem / Apparelled in celestial light.' What does Wordsworth suggest about his perception of nature here? How does this set the tone for the poem?

Answer: Wordsworth reflects a time when nature appeared divine and luminous to him, highlighting a sense of wonder and spiritual connection that establishes the poem's meditation on nature's beauty and its impact on the poet.

Question 2: Quote Explosion: Analyze the phrase 'Apparelled in celestial light.' What do the words 'apparelled' and 'celestial' imply about the poet's view of nature? How does this enhance the imagery?

Answer: The word 'apparelled' suggests nature is dressed or adorned majestically, while 'celestial' connotes heavenly or divine qualities. Together, they create a vivid image of nature as sublime and radiant, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

Question 3: In lines 5-8: 'The sounding cataract / Haunted me like a passion; / The tall rock, the mountain, and the deep / And gloomy wood,' how does Wordsworth use sensory language and personification? What effect does this have?

Answer: Wordsworth employs auditory imagery ('sounding cataract') and personification ('haunted me like a passion') to evoke a visceral, emotional response, making nature seem alive and capable of affecting the poet deeply, thus emphasizing the profound influence of natural landscapes.

Question 4: Quote Explosion: Focus on 'haunted me like a passion.' What is the significance of describing nature as a 'passion'? How does this influence the reader's understanding?

Answer: Describing nature as a 'passion' suggests intense emotional engagement and obsession. It indicates that nature profoundly moves the poet, creating an intimate connection and highlighting its power to evoke strong feelings.

Question 5: Lines 9-12 discuss the 'steep and lofty cliffs' and their impact. What themes are reflected here, and how does the imagery support these themes?

Answer: Themes of awe, power, and the sublime are reflected. The imagery of 'steep and lofty cliffs' emphasizes nature's grandeur and its capacity to inspire reverence, reinforcing the idea of nature as a force greater than man.

Question 6: Identify and analyze the metaphor in lines 13-16: 'The waves beside them danced; but they / Out-did the sparkling waves in glee.' How does this personification depict nature's energy?

Answer: The waves 'danced' and 'out-did' the waves in glee personify nature's vitality and exuberance. This lively depiction emphasizes nature's dynamic, joyful power, contrasting with human concerns and highlighting its uncontrollable force.

Question 7: Compare the tone in the description of nature in lines 17-20 ('The trees their burden bore') with the earlier descriptions. How does Wordsworth's tone evolve?

Answer: Initially, the tone is awe-struck and reverent, emphasizing the divine beauty of nature. As the poem progresses, it adopts a more reflective tone, contemplating nature's enduring strength and the poet's own changing perception over time.

Question 8: Theme Focus: How does Wordsworth explore the theme of memory in lines 21-24? What is the significance of recalling these natural scenes?

Answer: Wordsworth uses memory to demonstrate how past experiences with nature shape his identity and spiritual understanding. Recalling these scenes emphasizes the lasting impact of natural beauty on the poet's life and philosophical outlook.

Question 9: Analysis: In the final stanza, Wordsworth reflects on the influence of nature on his soul. How does this conclusion reinforce the poem's message about nature's role in personal growth?

Answer: The conclusion underscores that nature is a vital, nurturing force that fosters spiritual development and self-awareness. Wordsworth suggests that his lifelong relationship with nature has been central to his personal and poetic identity, emphasizing the enduring importance of natural experiences.

Question 10: Comparison Planning: Briefly outline how you would compare 'The Prelude' to 'Ozymandias' in terms of themes of power and impermanence. What key points would you focus on?

Answer: I would compare how 'The Prelude' depicts nature and personal growth as enduring and spiritual, whereas 'Ozymandias' emphasizes human hubris and the fleeting nature of power. Key points include the contrast between natural permanence and human impermanence, and how both poems explore the effects of power on the individual or society.

Question 1: Essay Plan: How does Wordsworth use imagery, personification, and diction to portray the relationship between nature and the poet's inner development?

Answer: In your plan, include points about the vivid imagery of celestial light, the personification of waves and landscapes, and the choice of words like 'haunted' and 'apparelled' to show nature's divine and lively qualities. Discuss how these devices develop the theme of nature as a spiritual guide and catalyst for personal growth, reinforcing Wordsworth's Romantic ideals.