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Year 10 - English

Understanding the poem 'Extract from the Prelude'

'Power and Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in three groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the physical and spiritual journey of Wordsworth in 'Extract from the Prelude'.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • The poem depicts nothing more than a physical journey across a lake.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Stealth'

cautious, secretive action or movement to avoid detection.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The poem depicts nothing more than a physical journey across a lake. Correction: The poem's physical journey symbolises a spiritual journey and the ''growth'' of Wordsworth.

More Lessons In This Unit

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