Composed Upon Westminster Bridge (September 3, 1802) Flashcards
What literary device is used in the opening lines to emphasize beauty?
Hyperbolic Assertion: The declarative opening employs hyperbole to emphasize the unparalleled beauty of the scene. The phrase ‘not anything’ establishes an absolutist tone, reinforcing the poet’s awe.
How is ‘Earth’ personified in the poem?
‘Earth’ is personified as an active entity with agency, capable of revealing beauty.
What does the phrase ‘Dull would he be of soul’ imply?
Implicature: The subjunctive assumes that only an insensitive or spiritually lacking person could fail to appreciate the grandeur, functioning as an implicit rebuke to those indifferent to nature’s sublimity.
What literary devices are present in the lines describing the city?
Oxymoron and Simile: The juxtaposition of ‘touching’ with ‘majesty’ reflects the Romantic paradox, and the city ‘wearing’ its beauty ‘like a garment’ anthropomorphizes London.
What effect does asyndetic listing have in lines 5-6?
Asyndetic Listing: The omission of conjunctions creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the vastness and variety of the cityscape.
What imagery is conveyed by ‘silent, bare’?
Imagery of Stillness: ‘Silent, bare’ conveys an almost ethereal tranquility, reinforcing the uniqueness of the moment.
What contrast is presented in lines 7-8?
Contrast: The openness of the city to the ‘fields’ and ‘sky’ contrasts with typical industrial perceptions, presenting the city in harmony with nature.
What significance does the term ‘smokeless’ have?
Lexical Choice: ‘Smokeless’ suggests an absence of industrial pollution, reinforcing the theme of temporary purity.
How is the sun depicted in lines 9-10?
Personification: The sun is depicted as actively ‘steeping’ the landscape in light, enhancing beauty.
What does the superlative structure in ‘Never did sun more beautifully steep’ indicate?
Superlative Structure: It amplifies the uniqueness of the moment, furthering the poem’s hyperbolic admiration.
What is the effect of parallel syntax in lines 11-12?
Parallel Syntax: The repetition of negation strengthens the intensity of Wordsworth’s personal experience, giving it spontaneity and genuine awe.
How is the river characterized in the poem?
Anthropomorphism: The river is attributed autonomy with ‘his own sweet will,’ reinforcing Romantic notions of nature’s independence.
What does the interjection ‘Dear God!’ signify?
Interjection: It introduces a moment of spiritual transcendence, suggesting that the sight provokes admiration and reverence.
How are the houses described in lines 13-14?
Personification: The ‘houses’ are depicted as ‘asleep,’ reinforcing the theme of peaceful stillness.
What do ‘mighty heart’ and its implications represent?
Synecdoche & Metaphor: ‘Mighty heart’ stands for London as a whole, portraying it as a powerful but currently dormant force.
What political context influenced Wordsworth’s poem written in 1802?
The poem was influenced by the Napoleonic Wars and the signing of the Treaty of Amiens, marking a temporary peace between Britain and France.
How did Wordsworth’s view of the French Revolution change by 1802?
He became disillusioned with the violence and authoritarianism of Napoleon’s rule.
What is Wordsworth’s unusual perspective on London in this poem?
He presents a positive view of London, describing it as calm, majestic, and harmonious, particularly when it is still asleep.
What economic transformation was occurring in London during the early 19th century?
London was rapidly transforming into an economic powerhouse due to the Industrial Revolution, with expanding factories and flourishing trade.
How does Wordsworth describe the River Thames in his poem?
He depicts the Thames as gliding at his own sweet will, reflecting his Romantic ideals of beauty in nature rather than in commerce.
What social disparities existed in London during the early 19th century?
There was significant economic disparity, with the upper classes prospering while the working class faced harsh living conditions.
What spiritual themes are present in Wordsworth’s poem?
The poem conveys a sense of spiritual awe and reverence for nature, aligning with Romantic beliefs about nature as a divine force.
How does Wordsworth’s view of religion manifest in his poem?
He critiques institutionalized religion, focusing instead on personal spiritual experiences found in nature’s beauty.
What is the significance of London in the context of Britain during Wordsworth’s time?
London was the political, economic, and cultural center of Britain, and Wordsworth admires its grandeur in a moment of quiet.
How does the poem critique urban life?
It captures a rare moment of silence in London, contrasting with the usual crowded and polluted conditions, suggesting a fleeting natural beauty.
What individualistic perspective does Wordsworth present in his poem?
The poem reflects Wordsworth’s personal response to the scene, emphasizing individual emotions and subjective experiences.
What shift occurs in Wordsworth’s perspective regarding urbanization?
He expresses a rare appreciation for the city in a moment of stillness, suggesting beauty can be found anywhere.
How did Dorothy Wordsworth influence the poem?
Her journal describes the same scene, emphasizing stillness and purity, which likely influenced the tone and imagery of Wordsworth’s poem.
What literary movement does the poem exemplify?
The poem is a prime example of Romantic poetry, emphasizing emotion, individual experience, and the sublime beauty of nature.
What is the structure of the poem?
It follows the Petrarchan sonnet form with an octave and a sestet, contrasting structured form with spontaneous emotional tone.
What imagery techniques does Wordsworth use in the poem?
He employs personification, describing the city as wearing ‘the beauty of the morning,’ and emphasizes light imagery to highlight nature’s spiritual power.
