(Std.11-State Board) 2.4 UPON WESTMINSTER BRIDGE- Pictorial Presentation

William Wordsworth:

William Wordsworth, born on April 7, 1770, was a major English Romantic poet, who was an honoured ‘Poet Laureate’ of the United Kingdom in the court of Queen Victoria, from 1843 until his death on 23 April 1850. He is a leading English Nature poet. His collection of poetry ‘Lyrical Ballads’ is considered to be the central work of Romantic literary theory. The Poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is one of the best examples of his romantic poems.

About Poem:

‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is a Petrarchan Sonnet in which William Wordsworth describes the beauty of the city as seen at dawn from the Westminster Bridge, London. The poet was enthralled by the panoramic landscape, beauty, calm and quiet nature before him. This poem was first published in the ‘Collection of Poems’ in two Volumes in 1807.

The poet stands on Westminster Bridge early in the morning, struck by London’s unprecedented beauty. The city lies peaceful and majestic in the morning light, with its architectural features – ships, towers, domes, theaters, and temples – standing clear against the smokeless sky. The scene’s tranquility moves the speaker deeply, as he observes how the morning sun illuminates the urban landscape.

The poem concludes with the powerful image of London’s “mighty heart” at rest, suggesting both the city’s power and its momentary peace.

Poem:

Earth has not anything 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!

Analysis:

These lines express the poet’s admiration for the breathtaking beauty of London in the early morning. Wordsworth begins with a strong statement, claiming that nothing in the world is more beautiful than the view before him. This highlights the poet’s deep appreciation for the scene.

The poet believes that anyone who ignores such beauty must be lacking sensitivity or an appreciation for nature and art. This reveals the emotional impact of the view. Wordsworth describes the scene as both touching (deeply moving) and majestic (grand and awe-inspiring). This contrast suggests that the city’s beauty is not just impressive but also emotionally stirring.

The poet is overwhelmed by the beauty of London in the calmness of the morning. He feels that anyone who fails to admire it must have no sense of beauty or wonder. The view is not only visually stunning but also emotionally powerful, filling him with awe and admiration.

The poet compares the city to a person wearing a beautiful outfit. London is “dressed” in the soft, fresh light of the morning. The city looks stunning in the morning light. It is peaceful (silent) and open (bare), without the usual noise and crowds. Different parts of the city like ships, buildings, churches, and theatres can be seen clearly, resting quietly in the morning calm.

Wordsworth is amazed by how London looks in the quiet morning. The city appears calm and beautiful, as if it is wearing the morning light like a beautiful dress. Without the usual busy crowds, its buildings and landmarks stand out peacefully.These lines describe the fresh and bright appearance of London in the early morning. The city looks open and connected to nature. It blends beautifully with the surrounding fields and the wide sky. The buildings and streets shine in the morning sunlight.

Since it is early, there is no smoke or pollution from factories or fires, making the air clear and pure. The poet feels that the sunlight has never covered anything so beautifully before. The way it bathes the city in golden light is extraordinary.

Wordsworth is amazed at how fresh and beautiful London looks in the early morning. The city appears open, bright, and free from smoke, with the sunlight making it shine like never before.

The poet says that even natural landscapes like valleys, rocks, and hills, do not look more beautiful than the city does at this moment, bathed in the morning sunlight.

Wordsworth expresses that he has never seen or felt such a deep sense of peace and stillness before. The quietness of the city at dawn fills him with a profound calm. He is saying that even nature’s beauty cannot match how wonderful London looks in the morning light. He has never experienced such a deep and peaceful moment before.

The River Thames flows smoothly and freely, without any disturbance, adding to the calmness of the scene. The poet is so amazed by the stillness that he feels even the buildings look as if they are sleeping, undisturbed by the usual city noise.

London, usually a busy and bustling city (like a beating heart), is now completely quiet and resting in the early morning.

Wordsworth is captivated by the peaceful beauty of London at dawn. The river flows gently, the buildings appear to be asleep, and the usually busy city is resting in perfect stillness.

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