Upon Westminster Bridge
About the Poet
- William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a famous English Romantic poet.
- He was the Poet Laureate of the UK from 1843 until his death.
- Known for his love of Nature.
- His work Lyrical Ballads is key to Romantic literature.
Poem Overview
- A 14-line Petrarchan sonnet.
- Describes the city of London in the early morning from Westminster Bridge.
- The poet admires the quiet beauty of the city before it wakes up.
Main Ideas
- Nature and city blend beautifully in the early morning.
- The calm and stillness of dawn brings peace.
- Even busy places can appear magical when at rest.
Imagery
- “The city… like a garment wear” – the city looks like it’s dressed in morning light.
- “Ships, towers, domes…” – the city’s landmarks look clear in clean air.
- “The river glideth at his own sweet will” – the river moves freely and peacefully.
Poem Structure
- Type: Petrarchan sonnet
- 8 lines (Octave): Describes the city’s beauty.
- 6 lines (Sestet): Describes calmness and poet’s feelings.
Rhyme scheme:
- Octave: abba abba
- Sestet: cdc dcd
Appreciation
- Title shows the location: Westminster Bridge.
- Theme: Peaceful beauty of the city in the morning.
- Language: Clear, musical, and filled with emotion.
- Imagery: Strong visual and emotional pictures.
- Message: Nature and human creations can exist beautifully together.
Vocabulary
- Fair – beautiful
- Dull of soul – someone who can’t enjoy beauty
- Doth – old English for “does”
- Glideth – flows gently
- Mighty heart – the city (London)
Leave a Reply