Understanding the poem 'Extract from the Prelude'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the physical and spiritual journey of Wordsworth in 'Extract from the Prelude’.
Key learning points
- This is an autobiographical poem, subtitled ‘The Growth of the Poet’s Mind’, documenting his formative experiences.
- In ‘Extract from the Prelude’ the narrator, a young Wordsworth, goes on a literal and spiritual journey.
- The sublime is the mixed feelings of awe and terror in response to a phenomenon.
- His transition from initial arrogance to humbled retreat suggests that man should respect nature’s supremacy.
Keywords
Stealth - cautious, secretive action or movement to avoid detection
Sublime - the mixed feelings of awe and terror in response to a phenomenon
Arrogance - being excessively proud and believing you are more important than others
Supremacy - the highest authority or greatest power
Autobiographical - based on the writer’s own life
Common misconception
The poem depicts nothing more than a physical journey across a lake.
The poem's physical journey symbolises a spiritual journey and the ''growth'' of Wordsworth.
Teacher tip
As the poem is being read aloud, encourage students to change their tone of voice at the 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.When approximately was the Romantic movement?
Q2.Which of the below is not a Romantic belief/value?
Q3.What is a summary?
Q4.What does autobiograhical mean?
Q5.How might one display arrogance?
Q6.What is a volta?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Extract from the Prelude' is __________ poem
Q2.Which word from 'Extract from the Prelude' suggests Wordsworth has done something prohibited and has begun to cross boundaries?
Q3.How does Wordsworth show his arrogance at the beginning of the poem 'Extract from the Prelude'?
Q4.Initially, Wordsworth views nature as __________, whereas by the end of 'Extract from the Prelude' he is __________ by nature.
Q5.Why does Wordsworth experience the sublime as detailed in 'Extract from the Prelude'?
Q6.Which quote from the poem 'Extract from the Prelude' best illustrates Wordsworth's experience of the sublime?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Understanding 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: Understanding 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.