Question 1: Briefly describe the context of 'The Prelude' and its significance within Wordsworth's body of work.

Answer: 'The Prelude' is an autobiographical poem that explores Wordsworth's personal experiences with nature, growth, and self-awareness, highlighting Romantic ideals.

Question 2: Identify two key themes in 'The Prelude' and explain how they are developed through the poem.

Answer: Themes of nature and personal growth are central; they are developed through vivid imagery of natural scenes and reflections on the poet's inner development.

Question 1: Look at the opening lines describing the mountain scene. How does Wordsworth's use of personification enhance the depiction of nature?

Answer: Wordsworth personifies the mountain, making it seem alive and sentient, which emphasizes the power and majesty of nature.

Question 2: Analyze the metaphor in the line 'The earth has swallowed all my hopes.' What does this suggest about the poet's feelings?

Answer: This metaphor suggests feelings of loss and despair, implying that nature has taken away his aspirations and happiness.

Question 3: Choose a stanza that describes the river or the landscape. How does Wordsworth use imagery to convey the significance of nature in his life?

Answer: Wordsworth uses vivid imagery, such as 'a mighty river' and 'the silent woods,' to depict nature as a powerful and peaceful force that influences his inner life.

Question 1: Identify and analyze the imagery associated with the 'mountain' in the poem. What might it symbolize?

Answer: The mountain symbolizes grandeur, challenge, and the sublime power of nature, reflecting the poet's awe and respect for natural forces.

Question 2: Examine the quote: 'The world is too much with us.' How does this imagery critique human disconnection from nature?

Answer: This imagery suggests that humans are overwhelmed or distracted by material pursuits, losing their connection to the natural world.

Question 3: Select a vivid image of nature from the poem and explain how it contributes to the overall mood or tone.

Answer: An example might be the 'glittering mountain,' which creates a tone of awe and reverence towards nature's majesty.

Question 1: Quote: 'The still, sad music of humanity.' - Analyze the significance of the words 'still', 'sad', and 'music' in conveying Wordsworth's views on human life and nature.

Answer: The word 'still' suggests calmness but also a lack of movement or progress, while 'sad' conveys melancholy, and 'music' implies harmony. Together, they evoke a reflective mood, indicating a contemplative view of human existence intertwined with nature's serenity and sorrow.

Question 2: Quote: 'When I behold, upon the night's starr'd face, / Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance.' - Analyze the imagery and what it reveals about the poet's perception of the universe.

Answer: The 'starr'd face' and 'cloudy symbols' evoke a cosmic grandeur, suggesting that the universe is full of mystery and inspiring awe. The 'high romance' indicates a sense of wonder and spiritual connection with nature.

Question 1: Outline key points for comparing how 'The Prelude' and 'Ozymandias' depict the theme of power and its transient nature.

Answer: In 'The Prelude,' power is embodied in nature's grandeur and the individual's spiritual growth, which is enduring. In 'Ozymandias,' power is shown as fleeting and ultimately powerless against time, symbolized by the ruined statue.

Question 2: What similarities and differences can you identify in how the two poems use imagery to depict power?

Answer: Both poems use vivid imagery—'mountain' and 'storm' in 'The Prelude,' and 'desert' and 'colossal wreck' in 'Ozymandias'—to depict the awe-inspiring and destructive aspects of power, but 'The Prelude' emphasizes nature's enduring presence, while 'Ozymandias' highlights decay and the impermanence of human achievements.

Question 1: Create an outline highlighting key points about language devices and imagery that support your interpretation.

Answer: Introduction to the importance of nature in Wordsworth's life; use of personification and metaphors to depict nature as alive and nurturing; imagery of natural scenes showing growth and reflection; conclusion on the emotional and philosophical impact on the reader.