Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802
by William Wordsworth
Earth has not any thing to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
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;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;
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!
Summary of Composed upon Westminster Bridge
- The Poem’s Essence: William Wordsworth’s “Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802” is a beautifully concise sonnet that captures a moment of serene wonder. The poem describes a breathtaking view of London at dawn, a scene that fills the speaker with a sense of peace and reverence. It isn’t merely a description of a cityscape, but an exploration of the power of nature to transform even the most bustling urban environment.
- A City Transformed: The poem highlights the unexpected beauty that can be found in a city when it is quiet and undisturbed. Wordsworth presents London not as a place of noise and activity, but as a tranquil, almost dreamlike vision. He suggests that the city, stripped of its usual energy, appears vulnerable and at peace, “lying still” as if asleep.
- Central Idea: The Harmony of City and Nature: The central idea of the poem is the harmonious relationship between the city and the natural world. Wordsworth demonstrates how nature can elevate and beautify even the most artificial of environments. He implies that a connection with nature is essential for a truly fulfilling experience of life.
In-Depth Analysis of “Composed upon Westminster Bridge”
The Power of First Impressions
The poem begins with a bold statement: “Earth has not any thing to show more fair.” This immediate declaration establishes the extraordinary nature of the scene before the speaker. It’s not simply a beautiful view, but one that surpasses all others in its splendor. Wordsworth masterfully sets the stage, indicating that the following lines will describe something truly remarkable. The phrase also subtly suggests a sense of awe and wonder, hinting at the emotional impact the view has on the speaker.
Imagery and the Personification of London
Wordsworth’s use of imagery is central to the poem’s success. He paints a vivid picture of London bathed in the morning light. Consider the line, “This city now doth, like a garment, wear / The beauty of the morning.” This is a striking example of personification. The city is not simply receiving beauty, it is wearing it, as if adorning itself with a delicate robe. This personification imbues the city with a sense of life and vulnerability. The image of a “garment” is also carefully chosen, suggesting a gentle embrace and a sense of protection. The list of iconic structures—ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples—creates a comprehensive panorama of the city, anchoring the ethereal beauty to specific, recognizable landmarks.
The Significance of Silence and Stillness
The poem emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness. The city is described as “silent, bare,” and the houses “seem asleep.” This lack of activity is not a deficiency, but a key element of the scene’s beauty. It allows the speaker to fully appreciate the natural world and to experience a profound sense of calm. This quietude contrasts sharply with the typical hustle and bustle of city life, creating a sense of peaceful escape. The phrase “And all that mighty heart is lying still!” is particularly poignant. It implies that the city, despite its immense energy and population, is capable of moments of profound peace and tranquility.
The River as a Symbol of Freedom and Flow
The river Thames plays a significant role in the poem. The line “The river glideth at his own sweet will” presents the river as a symbol of freedom and natural flow. Unlike the rigid structures of the city, the river moves freely and organically. This contrast highlights the power of nature to remain untamed even within an urban environment. The river’s “sweet will” suggests a gentle and harmonious relationship with its surroundings.
The Poet’s Personal Connection
The poem isn’t just an objective description of a scene; it’s a deeply personal reflection. Phrases like “Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!” reveal the speaker’s emotional response to the view. The exclamation “Dear God!” demonstrates a sense of reverence and gratitude for the beauty of the natural world. This personal connection adds depth and sincerity to the poem, inviting the reader to share in the speaker’s experience.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Composed upon Westminster Bridge”
Assonance and Consonance
Wordsworth skillfully employs assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (the repetition of consonant sounds) to create a musical effect. For example, the repetition of the ‘o’ sound in “Dull would he be of soul who could pass by” creates a sense of languid beauty. Similarly, the repeated ‘s’ sounds in “Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie” create a subtle, whispering effect.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, is used throughout the poem to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. For example, the first two lines flow seamlessly together: “Earth has not any thing to show more fair: / Dull would he be of soul who could pass by.” This technique mirrors the gentle flow of the river and the overall sense of tranquility.
Imagery and Metaphor
The poem is rich in imagery, using vivid language to create mental pictures. The metaphor of the city “wearing” the beauty of the morning is particularly striking, imbuing the urban landscape with a sense of life and vibrancy. The use of concrete details—ships, towers, domes—anchors the abstract beauty to specific, recognizable landmarks.
Personification
As mentioned earlier, personification is a key device in the poem. By attributing human qualities to the city and the river, Wordsworth creates a sense of intimacy and connection. The city is not simply a collection of buildings, but a living entity capable of feeling and experiencing beauty.
Sonnet Form and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is a Petrarchan sonnet, a fourteen line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABABAB CDCDCD). This traditional form provides a structured framework for Wordsworth’s lyrical expression. The consistent rhyme scheme and meter contribute to the poem’s musicality and elegance.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines are particularly evocative and can be used to capture a moment of serene beauty or to reflect on the power of nature:
“All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;
Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep.”
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central themes and invite readers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the power of a quiet moment.