Power and Conflict
Poetry Anthology
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
The Prelude by William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth's "The Prelude" describes a summer evening when the speaker takes a little boat from its mooring place and rows into a rocky cove. The act is stealthy and brings troubled pleasure as the boat moves on, leaving behind small circles glittering idly in the moon. The boat's movement is compared to a swan as it heaves through the water, creating a track of sparkling light. However, the tranquility is interrupted when a huge, black peak emerges from the horizon. The speaker feels the imposing presence of the mountain, which seems to have a purpose of its own and follows the boat with measured motion, prompting the speaker to turn back and silently make his way back to the mooring place.
The speaker's language and descriptions convey a range of emotions and reactions to the events in the poem, such as confidence, guilt, and fear. The imagery and personification of nature, particularly the mountains, contribute to the atmosphere, creating a sense of threat and a reminder of mortality. The speaker's experience on the lake has a lasting impact on him, affecting his thoughts and dreams for many days afterward.
The sinister and unsettling atmosphere in the poem helps the reader empathize with the speaker, and contrasts with the initial serene tone of the narrative.
My Last Duchess by Robert Browning
In "My Last Duchess," Robert Browning presents a dramatic monologue in which a duke reveals his attitudes, power, and control through his description of a painting of his late duchess. The duke's sense of ownership and entitlement is evident as he refers to the painting as "my last Duchess painted on the wall" and discusses it as if she were still alive. He takes pride in the painting, attributing it to Frà Pandolf's skill and implying that it captures the depth and passion of the duchess's gaze.
The duke's possessive and controlling nature is further revealed as he describes the duchess's behavior and character, suggesting that she was too easily impressed and had a propensity for joy and gladness. The poem raises questions about the role of women, power dynamics in relationships, and the attitudes and values of the Italian Renaissance era, particularly in terms of ownership, status, and equality.
The contrasting tones and themes in "The Prelude" and "My Last Duchess" illustrate the diverse perspectives and experiences depicted in the Power and Conflict poems. The poems provide rich material for exploring themes of power, relationships, and the human experience in the GCSE English Literature curriculum.
