Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse the big ideas in ‘Extract from The Prelude’.
Key learning points
- Initially, Wordsworth presents himself as a hero, later nature is presented as an extraordinary presence.
- Imagery of man’s arrogant efforts to dominate nature are repeated across the poem, warning of his inferiority to nature.
- Pretty aural and visual imagery early in the poem contrasts with cacophony after the volta.
- The monosyllabic description of the mountain shows how nature transcends the world of man.
- The poem explores both power and conflict: man's conflict with himself after learning the true power of nature.
Keywords
Epic Poetry - a long poem narrating the deeds of legendary or heroic figures
Cacophony - a harsh discordant mixture of sounds
Volta - sudden shift in emotion
Awe - a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder
Monosyllabic - consisting of one syllable
Common misconception
The use of the epic form is just to show Wordsworth's adventure.
The use of epic form may suggest how nature is a heroic or legendary presence worthy of the epic poem form.
Teacher tip
Have students read the poem aloud to explore how a shift in tone occurs after volta.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What type of poem is 'Extract from The Prelude'?
Q2.How does Wordsworth show his naivety in the line from 'Extract from the Prelude': ''I fixed my view upon the summit of a craggy ridge, the horizon's utmost boundary''?
Q3.What marks the volta of 'Extract from The Prelude'?
Q4.How does Wordsworth view nature after the volta of 'Extract from The Prelude'?
Q5.Which quote from 'Extract from The Prelude' best illustrates Wordsworth's reflection on experiencing the sublime?
Q6.''But huge and mighty forms...moved...through the mind by day, and were a trouble to my dreams.'' Why might Wordsworth have been ''troubled'' by his experience in 'Extract from The Prelude'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which type of poem is 'Extract from The Prelude'?
Q2.What technique is used in the quote from 'Extract from The Prelude': ''small circles glittering idly in the moon, until they melted all into one track of sparkling light''?
Q3.Before the volta in 'Extract from The Prelude', how does Wordsworth describe nature?
Q4.After the volta in 'Extract from The Prelude', how is Wordsworth changed?
Q5.Why does Wordsworth use monosyllabic words after seeing the mountain peak in 'Extract from The Prelude'? Choose the most sophisticated interpretation.
Q6.Which technique does this line from 'Extract from The Prelude' use and what does it show? ''...of sea or sky, no colours of green fields; but huge and mighty forms''?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Extract from The Prelude', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the 'Power and Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.