Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a sonnet by William Wordsworth, one of the most prominent poets of the Romantic era. The poem is a contemplative and meditative reflection on the beauty of the city of London, as seen from Westminster Bridge on a quiet, early morning.

The poem begins with a description of the city, as seen from the vantage point of the bridge. Wordsworth describes the scene as "a sight so touching in its majesty," and goes on to describe the buildings, the river, and the surrounding landscape. He paints a picture of a city that is beautiful, serene, and almost otherworldly in its quiet stillness.

Throughout the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the relationship between nature and the city. He writes, "This city now doth, like a garment, wear / The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, / Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie / Open unto the fields, and to the sky." The imagery here suggests that the city, when seen in the early morning light, is in harmony with the natural world around it. The buildings and structures are almost like extensions of the landscape, and the city seems to be a part of the wider world, rather than separate from it.

The poem is also a meditation on the transience of life. Wordsworth reflects on the fact that the city, as beautiful as it is in this moment, will eventually change and decay. He writes, "Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! / The river glideth at his own sweet will: / Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; / And all that mighty heart is lying still!" These lines convey a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the city, but also a sense of sadness at the realization that this beauty is fleeting and temporary.

In conclusion, "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a beautiful and contemplative poem that reflects on the relationship between nature and the city, and the transience of life. Wordsworth's vivid imagery and lyrical language paint a picture of a city that is both beautiful and melancholic, a testament to the power of his poetry to capture the essence of the human experience. The poem remains a beloved and enduring work of literature, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places.

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