However, it is important to understand the motion of the theme of self-discovery for both the author and the audience, before observing it. .
At the outset of an autobiography, both parties stand on opposite sides of each other; the audience is reading the author (the subjective), and the author is reading his audience (observing human nature). Both bodies are set into a mutual attraction, first through the author's willingness to relate his experience to the audience, then through the audiences" cathartic sympathies towards the author's experience. Suffering is the means by which this mutual attraction is conveyed. As both bodies draw closer together the audience is drawn into the experience of the author. Likewise, the author is drawn into the community of his audience. The culmination of this attraction forms a synthesis of author and audience, and provides a greater self-understanding for both author and audience. Thus, through suffering, the three main forms of discovery take place to facilitate a deeper discovery of the self; this revelatory moment, ultimately, provides alleviation from the suffering that first drew forth the author's experience. .
William Wordsworth's autobiography, The Prelude, is a poetic prayer to man and nature's divine essences. It is the account of young Wordsworth as he grew into a poetical genius. Wordsworth poetical passion for nature also drives his love for mankind: .
.
Thus were my thoughts attracted more and more .
By slow gradations towards human Kind.
And to the good and ill of human life;.
Nature had led me on, and now I seem"d.
To travel independent of her help, .
As if I had forgotten her; but no, .
My fellow beings still were unto me .
Far less than she was, though the scale of love .
Were filling fast, "twas light, as yet, compared.
With that in which her mighty objects lay (Wordsworth 149-150). .
Wordsworth's love for mankind is drawn from his love nature. However, he does not choose to usurp his love for nature for his discovered love of mankind.
