Question 1: Who was William Wordsworth, and what was his significance in English poetry?

Answer: William Wordsworth was a Romantic poet known for celebrating nature and emotion; he played a key role in the Romantic movement and wrote 'The Prelude' as an autobiographical poem.

Question 2: When was 'The Prelude' written, and what is its primary focus?

Answer: 'The Prelude' was written between 1798 and 1805, with revisions, and it focuses on Wordsworth's personal growth, his relationship with nature, and his philosophical reflections.

Question 3: Explain why 'The Prelude' is considered an autobiographical poem and how this influences its themes.

Answer: Because it depicts Wordsworth's personal experiences and reflections on his life and encounters with nature, making its themes more intimate and authentic.

Question 1: Analyze the lines: 'The earth has not anything to show more fair.' What is Wordsworth expressing about nature?

Answer: He is emphasizing the beauty and purity of nature, suggesting it is incomparable and possesses a divine quality that inspires awe.

Question 2: How does Wordsworth's background influence his portrayal of nature and personal growth in the poem?

Answer: His Romantic belief in nature as a source of inspiration and moral development is rooted in his childhood experiences and the era's emphasis on emotion over reason.

Question 3: Describe how the theme of conflict appears in 'The Prelude' and its relation to Wordsworth's life.

Answer: The internal conflict between maintaining societal expectations and following personal inspiration reflects Wordsworth's struggle with his artistic and moral identity.

Question 1: Quote explosion: 'The growing boy, / With him the insuppressible yearning, / The wish of perfect freedom.' Analyze the imagery and connotations in this excerpt.

Answer: The imagery of growth and yearning highlights the innocence and natural desire for liberty in childhood, reflecting Wordsworth’s Romantic view of nature as a source of spiritual freedom.

Question 2: Quote explosion: 'A present deity / Dwelling in the light of the setting sun.' Discuss the metaphor and its significance.

Answer: This metaphor suggests nature as a divine presence, emphasizing Wordsworth’s belief in the sacredness of natural landscapes and their spiritual power.

Question 3: Identify a simile used in the poem and explain its effect on the reader's understanding of the natural world.

Answer: An example is 'like a mighty rock,' which conveys stability and permanence, reinforcing the idea of nature's enduring strength.

Question 1: Identify two major themes in 'The Prelude' and briefly explain how they are developed through the poem.

Answer: Themes include the power of nature, which is depicted as awe-inspiring and divine, and personal growth, shown through the poet’s reflections on his life experiences.

Question 2: Plan a brief comparison between 'The Prelude' and 'Ozymandias' focusing on how both poems explore the idea of power and its transient nature.

Answer: Students should outline how 'The Prelude' presents nature and personal spiritual power as enduring and divine, while 'Ozymandias' critiques the fleeting nature of human power through the ruined statue, emphasizing that all human achievements eventually fade.