Question

How many parts of The Recluse was Wordsworth able to complete?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer 1

Answer:

A. One

Wordsworth originally planned The Recluse as a grand philosophical epic in three parts, meant to explore nature, human mind, and the role of the poet. However, he was only able to complete and publish the second part, which was titled "The Excursion" (1814).

The intended structure of The Recluse was:

1. First part – An introduction (never completed).

2. Second part – The Excursion (published in 1814).

3. Third part – A concluding section (never completed).

Although The Prelude (published posthumously in 1850) was originally conceived as an introduction to The Recluse, it was not part of the three main sections.