Wordsworth's Prelude of 1799: Second Part

In the second part of Wordsworth’s two-part prelude, Wordsworth describes the vitality he had as a youth. He also explains how his connection with nature was established during this time. His youthful vitality and connection with nature has its origins in lines 1-33. To start the second part of his prelude, Wordsworth describes how he would play for hours, ultimately arriving home when the clouds were dark and the sky was filled with stars. Wordsworth describes the “nourishment” he obtained in being in the presence of nature, and how he desired it everyday, every week and every month. The conclusion of stanza 1 signals the temporary end to Wordsworth’s reflection on his youth and the reality of adulthood. By analyzing Wordsworth’s use of enjambment, description, and the eventual switch from past to present, one can see the origins of Wordsworth’s connection with nature.

In lines 1-20, Wordsworth describes the long hours spent outside as a youth. He explains the extensive games he played when outside and the feeling he had while playing amongst nature. As he describes the setting and passion of his formative years, phrases flow from line to line, only separated by the occasion period. This mirrors the passion and emotion Wordsworth had as a child with nature.

Throughout the first stanza, Wordsworth extensively uses description. More specifically, he describes the nature that surrounds him. This can be seen in lines 10-18 as describes the prolonged summer daylight, the “dark huge clouds” and the twinkling stars of the night sky. Wordsworth use of description visually re-creates setting and establishes the start of Wordsworth awareness of the natural world.

The conclusion of stanza 1 displays a more reflective, somber tone. Wordsworth explains how he yearns to have the vitality and innocence he had as a youth. He also reveals the vacancy he has between his former years and the present. To him, his childhood and adulthood represent two different lives.