Which statement about The Prelude's context is NOT true according to the notes?

• A. Autobiographical
• B. Wordsworth spent much time outside as a child
• C. Wordsworth frequently visited his grandparents, who lived in an extremely rural location
• D. It is not autobiographical

Answer: (D)

The essential idea here is that The Prelude is rooted in Wordsworth’s own life. It’s widely treated as an autobiographical poem, tracing his childhood, his early experiences with nature, and how those memories shape his development as a poet. The notes describe its context as autobiographical and connected to a rural, outdoor upbringing, which makes statements about his life outside and rural visits fit the context.

So the claim that it is not autobiographical conflicts with the poem’s purpose and how scholars and notes describe it. While Wordsworth may use memory and poetic invention, the work fundamentally draws on his personal experiences, which is why the statement denying autobiography isn’t true.