The correct answer is 2 (IV and II: beauty and fear) because in the first book of The Prelude, Wordsworth indeed writes that he was "fostered alike by beauty and by fear."
Here’s the relevant context:
In The Prelude, Wordsworth reflects on his childhood and his development as a poet. He often discusses how natural beauty and his imaginative connection to nature played crucial roles in shaping his mind and spirit. However, along with beauty, he also mentions that fear — particularly the fear invoked by the sublimity and power of nature — was a significant influence in his emotional and spiritual growth. He talks about his awe and reverence for nature’s overwhelming power, which often bordered on fear.
So, the correct pair of terms is:
Beauty: Wordsworth saw nature’s beauty as nurturing and inspiring.
Fear: Nature’s vastness and power often evoked fear, which was also a source of inspiration for his poetic vision.
That’s why the correct answer is IV (beauty) and II (fear).
Year-wise PYQs
