Question 1: Briefly explain the context in which Wordsworth wrote 'The Prelude' and how it reflects Romantic ideas.

Answer: Wordsworth wrote 'The Prelude' as a semi-autobiographical poem reflecting his personal development and Romantic ideals emphasizing the power of nature and individual experience.

Question 2: Identify three key themes present in 'The Prelude' and provide a brief explanation of each.

Answer: Themes include nature (its beauty and power), memory (recollection of past experiences), and personal growth (development of the self through experiences).

Question 1: Analyze the significance of the line 'The still, sad music of humanity' in reflecting the poem’s themes.

Answer: This line suggests a contemplative view of human life as melancholic but beautiful, emphasizing themes of memory and the emotional depth of human experience.

Question 2: Interpret the imagery used in the stanza describing the 'mountain-echoes' and discuss their effect on the reader.

Answer: The 'mountain-echoes' symbolize the lasting impact of nature and memory, creating a sense of awe and continuity that enhances the theme of nature’s power.

Question 1: Quote: 'The horizon's bound, a little closer, brings the world nearer.' Identify the metaphor and discuss its significance.

Answer: The metaphor suggests how personal perception or memory can make the vastness of the world feel more immediate, emphasizing themes of perspective and reflection.

Question 2: Quote: 'A mighty stream of thought' — analyze the personification and its impact.

Answer: Personifying thought as a 'mighty stream' highlights its power and relentless flow, reinforcing themes of inner development and the continuous nature of memory.

Question 1: Discuss how Wordsworth portrays nature as a source of inspiration and conflict in the poem.

Answer: Wordsworth depicts nature as both majestic and sometimes threatening, inspiring awe and reflection but also causing internal conflict as he grapples with his place within it. The poem shows nature’s dual role in nurturing and challenging the individual.

Question 2: How does the poem explore the theme of memory, and what is its significance to personal growth?

Answer: Memory in 'The Prelude' acts as a vital link to the past, shaping the poet’s identity. It underscores the idea that reflection on past experiences fuels personal growth and understanding of oneself.

Question 1: Identify similarities and differences in how power is depicted in 'Ozymandias' and 'The Prelude'.

Answer: Both poems explore the idea of power—'Ozymandias' portrays the impermanence of human power through ruins, while 'The Prelude' shows nature’s enduring strength and influence on the individual.

Question 2: Outline how themes of nature are presented differently in the two poems.

Answer: In 'The Prelude', nature is majestic and inspiring, fostering personal growth. In 'Ozymandias', nature erodes human achievements, symbolizing the transient nature of power.

Question 1: Quote: 'The waves beside them danced; but they / Out-did the sparkling waves in glee.' Analyze the imagery and word choice.

Answer: The lively verbs 'danced' and 'out-did' personify the waves, creating a vivid image of nature’s vitality and joy. This highlights the theme of nature’s dynamic power and its ability to uplift or inspire the poet.

Question 1: Draft an outline for an essay discussing how Wordsworth uses imagery, language, and structure to portray nature's influence on the poet’s growth.

Answer: Introduction: overview of themes. Paragraph 1: imagery of nature as majestic and powerful. Paragraph 2: language devices emphasizing nature’s influence. Paragraph 3: structure reflecting the poet’s personal journey. Conclusion: nature as a central force in shaping identity.