Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

The poem highlights the experience of a traveler in the early dawn, who is
transfixed at the uncommon sight of the usually bustling, smog-covered
city lying peacefully in the morning sun like a baby asleep. The persona
responds with wonder at the scenery.

The poet describes the city as still and unpolluted during the early hours
of the morning. This is a contrast to the noise, bustling commercial centre
it would transition to later in the day

Question 2

What is a Sonnet

Answer 2

A Sonnet is a poem consisting of 14 lines.

This poem is an Italian Sonnet comprising an octave and sestet.

octave- he marvels at his view and specifically describes what he sees

sestet- he expresses his personal emotions

Question 3

Literary devices

Hyperbole

Answer 3

The poem begins with an exaggerated sense of the uniqueness of the City in its early
morning beauty.

Question 4

Literary devices

Imagery

Answer 4

The imagery in the poem focuses on the beauty of the man-made structures of the City and
the correlated aspects of Nature.

Question 5

Literary devices

Personification

Answer 5

The speaker personifies both Man-made as well as Natural objects suggesting they have a
life of their own and are interconnected creating a unified London.

“This City now doth, like a garment, wear”

“Dear God! the very houses seem asleep”

Question 6

Tone and Mood

Answer 6

The tone is one of amazement and wonder. This describes the awe
that the persona feels at the striking scene before him,

The mood of the moment is reverent as the speaker conveys the
serenity of the moment.