By 1798, Wordsworth’s enthusiasm for the revolutionary cause had waned. There were many reasons for his shift, but the decisive factor appeared to have been the aggressive foreign policy of France in the invasion of Switzerland. Wordsworth has surveyed the development of his character and opinions in The Prelude, a very long, autobiographical poem in blank verse, extending through 14 books. This poem contains many of the finest passages of his works. It was begun before 1800, The rest of his life he often took it up, rewrote it at least four times, and was constantly revising the successive drafts. The final draft, set down in 1839, was published in 1850, immediately after his death.
As a poetic work the final draft is perhaps superior to the draft of 1805, but the earliest draft is more precious as a revelation of the poet’s mind and inner being; more dependable, and above all more forthright and candid.
