Explore Context in 'The Prelude'

Always wanted to practise your understanding of context in Extract from, 'The Prelude'?

Well, you've come to the right place! 

This activity is quite simple. We're going to be looking at the background of the poem, the themes that Wordsworth uses and how they link to the context of his life and background. Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a Romantic poet- perhaps the Romantic poet. His focus, therefore, was on nature and the way it influences emotions of awe and wonder. This is known as the sublime- where Romantic poets would elaborate and muse on this mystical connection between the speaker and the natural world. 'The Prelude' is actually a really long, autobiographical poem (therefore, the speaker in the extract is most definitely Wordsworth himself) about Wordsworth's mental growth. It took six years to write the whole thing- but we're focusing on the beginning which details Wordsworth's childhood realisation about the power of nature.

As you do this activity, jot down some important facts that you notice along the way. It'll be really helpful for your exam, and your general knowledge.

Just a reminder: context is the background, environment and setting of a poem. 

You should always refer to your own text when working through these examples. These quotations are for reference only.