Question 1: Identify and explain the significance of the imagery used in lines 20-30 where Wordsworth describes the 'solitary reaper' and its connection to memory.

Answer: Students should discuss the vivid imagery of the reaper, how it evokes a sense of solitude and reflection, and its role in illustrating the theme of memory and the power of nature to evoke emotion.

Question 2: What metaphors does Wordsworth use to depict the natural landscape in the poem, and how do these metaphors influence the reader's perception of nature?

Answer: Possible answer: The metaphors of the 'sea of cliffs' or 'mountain's grandeur' emphasize nature's power and majesty, reinforcing themes of awe and the sublime.

Question 3: Describe how Wordsworth presents the conflict between human progress and the natural world in the poem.

Answer: Students should explain that Wordsworth conveys a nostalgic view of nature's eternal beauty contrasted with the transient nature of human achievements, highlighting a tension between progress and preservation.

Question 4: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'The still, sad music of humanity' (lines 80-81). What does this suggest about the poet's view of human life?

Answer: Students should explore the metaphor of 'sad music' to symbolize the emotional and reflective aspects of human existence, implying a sense of melancholy or nostalgia that pervades human life.

Question 5: Identify a line that illustrates the theme of memory in The Prelude and explain its effect on the reader.

Answer: Example: 'The mind of man is framed to enjoy'—this emphasizes the importance of memory and perception in shaping experience, encouraging the reader to reflect on their own memories.

Question 6: Select a simile used in the poem and analyze how it enhances the theme of nature's power.

Answer: Example: 'Like a mighty river'—this simile underscores nature's unstoppable force and grandeur, reinforcing the theme of nature’s dominance over human life.

Question 7: Identify a personification device in the poem and discuss its effect on the reader's understanding of the natural world.

Answer: Example: 'The mountains looked on'—this personification gives nature agency, fostering a sense of awe and interconnectedness with the environment.

Question 8: Compare the presentation of nature in The Prelude with another poem from the Power and Conflict anthology, such as 'Ozymandias'. How do both poems depict power?

Answer: Students should compare Wordsworth’s depiction of nature as enduring and sublime with Shelley’s portrayal of the fleeting nature of human power in Ozymandias, analyzing how each poet presents the theme of power in relation to human achievement and the natural world.

Question 9: Extended Response/Essay Plan: Outline a response discussing how Wordsworth uses structure and language to explore the theme of memory and nature in The Prelude.

Answer: Students should plan an essay that examines the use of episodic structure, the progression of themes, key language devices like metaphors and personification, and how these elements work together to emphasize the importance of memory and the power of nature.