Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1985
Thesis Director
John Kilgore
Abstract
The argument presented in this thesis explores the traditional readings of The Prelude as an autobiography, as an epic, and as a poetics, and proposes that they be considered the starting point to a whole new reading of the poem in the light of Gerard Genette's theory of textuality.
To provide the basis for the proposed new reading I discuss (in Part I, II, and III) the traditional readings of the poem and provide textual evidence of their legitimacy.
I then introduce Roland Barthes' notion of "poietics" and demonstrate how The Prelude fits it, since it is a text that contains an implicit description of the theory behind its conception.
In a next step I emphasize that the traditional readings of the poem eventually lead us to realize the need for a study of The Prelude that goes beyond the theory of the genres. I conclude by presenting Gerard Genette's theory of textuality and suggesting the possibility of reading The Prelude according to it.
Recommended Citation
Mourao, Manuela, "Wordsworth's The Prelude: Critical Tradition and Beyond" (1985). Masters Theses. 2772.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2772
