Prelude

The Prelude; or, Growth of a Poet's Mind, written by William Wordsworth, is a significant narrative poem first published in 1798 and revised until its posthumous release in 1850. It uniquely chronicles Wordsworth's spiritual journey, paralleling Dante's Divine Comedy but with a more secular tone and an emphasis on personal acceptance rather than moral purification. The poem is notable for its gentle, reflective style and is considered Wordsworth's crowning achievement, showcasing his ability to find beauty in everyday experiences without descending into vanity or tedium.