William Wordsworth's poem "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a celebration of the beauty and majesty of the city of London as seen from the vantage point of Westminster Bridge. The poem is written in sonnet form and is characterized by its vivid imagery and emotive language.
In the first quatrain, Wordsworth describes the city as being "sleepy" and "calm" at the early hour of dawn. The speaker marvels at the "every cry of every man" being hushed and the "sound of the city" being "far and near." The silence is broken only by the "gentle beat" of the river Thames, which flows beneath the bridge.
In the second quatrain, the speaker compares the city to a "majestic image" and a "dream of things that are not." The morning sun casts a golden light over the buildings and streets, creating a sense of wonder and awe in the speaker. The city is described as being "beautiful and bright," a "joy forever."
In the third quatrain, the speaker reflects on the impact of the city on the human soul. The city's beauty and grandeur have a "calming influence" on the mind and heart, bringing "peace and health" to those who live within its bounds. The city is a place of "harmony and love," where people from all walks of life come together in a shared sense of community.
In the final couplet, the speaker concludes the poem with a sense of reverence and admiration for the city. The city is a "miracle of unceasing labor," a testament to the human spirit and the never-ending quest for progress and improvement. It is a place of "eternal beauty," a symbol of hope and inspiration for all who behold it.
Overall, Wordsworth's poem "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a tribute to the enduring beauty and majesty of the city of London. Through its vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem captures the essence of the city and its impact on the human spirit.
