Sonnet Composed upon Westmister Bridge PDF

Sonnet Composed upon Westmister Bridge by William Wordsworth Text analysis by Anca Catana  Overview "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802," is a Petrarchan sonnet by William Wordsworth, a prominent figure in the Romantic movement. This poem captures t...

Sonnet Composed upon Westmister Bridge by William Wordsworth Text analysis by Anca Catana  Overview "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802," is a Petrarchan sonnet by William Wordsworth, a prominent figure in the Romantic movement. This poem captures the beauty of London in the early morning, highlighting the city’s serenity before the hustle and bustle of daily life begins. Wordsworth's work reflects the Romantic ideals of nature, emotion, and the sublime, as he finds a profound connection with the urban landscape. Through this sonnet, he invites readers to consider the beauty that often goes unnoticed in everyday life.  What is a sonnet? The term sonnet refers to a fixed verse poetic form, traditionally consisting of fourteen lines adhering to a set rhyming scheme. It derives from the Italian word sonetto (lit. 'little song', from the Latin word sonus, lit. 'sound'). Originating in 13th-century Sicily, the sonnet was in time taken up in many European-language areas, mainly to express romantic love at first, although eventually any subject was considered acceptable.  What is a sonnet? The structure of a typical Italian sonnet as it developed included two parts that together formed a compact form of "argument". First, the octave forms the "proposition", which describes a "problem" or "question", followed by a sestet (two tercets) that proposes a "resolution".  What is a sonnet? Typically, the ninth line initiates what is called the "turn", or "volta", which signals the move from proposition to resolution. Even in sonnets that do not strictly follow the problem/resolution structure, the ninth line still often marks a "turn" by signaling a change in the tone, mood, or stance of the poem.  What is a Shakespearian sonnet? The variation of the sonnet form that Shakespeare used—comprised of three quatrains and a concluding couplet, rhyming abab cdcd efef gg—is called the English or Shakespearean sonnet form, although others had used it before him. This different sonnet structure allows for more space to be devoted to the buildup of a subject or problem than the Italian/Petrarchan form, and is followed by just two lines to conclude or resolve the poem in a rhyming couplet.  Poem Structure The poem is structured as a Petrarchan sonnet, which typically consists of 14 lines divided into an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). Wordsworth adheres to the traditional ABBAABBA rhyme scheme in the octave, while the sestet follows a CDCDCD pattern. This structure allows for a clear presentation of the poem's themes, with the octave presenting the initial observations and the sestet offering a reflective conclusion. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a rhythmic quality that enhances its lyrical nature.  Setting The setting of the poem is Westminster Bridge, overlooking the River Thames in London. Wordsworth describes the city at dawn, a time when the streets are quiet and the air is fresh. The early morning light bathes the city in a golden hue, creating an idyllic scene that contrasts sharply with the usual chaos of urban life. The imagery evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing readers to visualize the beauty of the cityscape before the day's activities commence. Persona The persona in the poem is that of a reflective observer, likely representing Wordsworth himself. This speaker expresses awe and reverence for the beauty of the city, portraying a deep emotional connection to the landscape. The speaker’s profound appreciation for the moment emphasizes the importance of being present and acknowledging the beauty in the world around us. This connection between the speaker and the environment is a hallmark of Romantic poetry, showcasing the emotional depth of the individual.  Themes Several key themes emerge in "Composed upon Westminster Bridge," including: Beauty in Nature and Urban Life: The poem illustrates the idea that beauty can be found in both nature and urban settings. Wordsworth emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of the two, encouraging readers to appreciate the aesthetics of the city. Transience of Time: The morning setting signifies a fleeting moment of beauty. Wordsworth captures the transient nature of life, suggesting that such moments should be cherished before they fade away. Emotional Connection: The poem reflects the Romantic ideal of forming an emotional bond with the environment. The speaker’s feelings of wonder and admiration highlight the significance of experiencing moments of beauty. Tone The tone of the poem is one of awe and reverence. Wordsworth employs a contemplative voice that conveys a sense of admiration for the city’s beauty. The speaker's appreciation is palpable, as the tone shifts from observation to deep reflection, inviting readers to share in the experience. This tone aligns with the Romantic characteristic of valuing emotion and personal connection with the world.  Mood The mood of "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" is serene and uplifting. The peaceful morning setting evokes feelings of calmness and tranquility, allowing readers to escape the chaos of daily life. This mood is enhanced by the vivid imagery and descriptive language that Wordsworth uses to portray the city at dawn. The overall effect is one of harmony and beauty, inviting readers to reflect on their own perceptions of the world.  Literary devices/Figures of Speech Wordsworth employs various figures of speech to enrich the poem’s imagery and emotional resonance, including: Imagery: Vivid descriptions create striking mental pictures, such as "the city now doth, like a garment, wear / The beauty of the morning." This imagery allows readers to visualize the scene and feel the atmosphere. Personification: The city is personified as wearing beauty, suggesting a living, breathing entity that can be adorned by nature’s light. Metaphor: The comparison of the city to a "garment" emphasizes the idea of beauty as something that can envelop and transform the landscape. Alliteration: The use of alliteration, as seen in phrases like "mighty heart," creates a musical quality that enhances the poem's lyrical feel. Conclusion "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" is a profound exploration of beauty, emotion, and the relationship between nature and urban life. Through its structured form, vivid imagery, and reflective tone, Wordsworth invites readers to appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty that exist within the everyday world. This sonnet serves as a reminder to pause, observe, and connect with our surroundings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty that often goes unnoticed.