The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background -- all to help you gain greater insight into great works you're bound to study for school or pleasure. CliffsNotes on Wordsworth's The Prelude describes the creation of a poet, one who was pivotal in English letters. The general procedure in The Prelude is to record an experience from the poet's past and then to examine its philosophical and psychological significance and relate it to society at large and to nature. Indeed, the outstanding virtue of The Prelude is its imaginative interpretation of nature. In this study guide, you'll find Life and Background on the Author, Introduction to the Work, and Critical Commentaries on each book of The Prelude. You'll also find A Brief Synopsis and Critical Essays on the following: Analysis of The Prelude Wordsworth's Literary History Wordsworth's Poetic Theory A selected bibliography As well as suggested review questions and essay topics Classic literature or modern-day treasure -- you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.