The sonnet "London, 1802" by William Wordsworth, first published in 1807 (Wordsworth 64), deals with the speaker's criticism of the political, religious and socioeconomic state of England at the beginning of the 19th century which is juxtaposed by an idealization of the English poet John Milton as a writer and a member of English society in the 17th century. "London 1802" is part of a group of poems that are generally referred to as Wordsworth's "Sonnets on Independence and Liberty". Like other sonnets of this group it illustrates "Wordsworth's advance from the poet of rapturous impulse to the poet of duty and fortitude" and thus, his turn towards a reflection on political and socioeconomic issues of his contemporary time in his poetry (130). In this regard Wordsworth uses form and content in "London, 1802" to express this criticism and to call for change in the English society of his time.
In terms of form, the poem can be regarded as a Petrarchan sonnet. As such, the form of "London, 1802" already establishes an intertextual reference to John Milton who also often uses the pattern of the Petrarchan sonnet in his poems like in "On his Blindness". Sarker argues that in particular Wordsworth's sonnets reflect his literary inspiration by John Milton's style as a writer. Wordsworth's sonnet contains 14 lines and is subdivided into an octave, which is consisting of two quatrains (l. 1-4; l. 5-8), and a sestet (l. 9-14). The rhyme scheme of the poem also matches the form of the Petrarchan sonnet. While the two quatrains have an embracing rhyme (a b b a; a b b a) and corresponding cadenzas (female, male, male, female; female, male, male, female) the sestet rhymes "c d d e c e" and each of the lines ends with a male cadenza. The rhymes and the cadenzas structure the poem and underline its thematic subdivision into two different sense units: a negative description of contemporary England in the first (l. 1-8) and the idealization of John Milton as a fictive potential liberator of England in the second sense unit (l. 9-14).
Table of Contents
- Analysis of William Wordsworth's "London, 1802"
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this analysis is to examine William Wordsworth's sonnet "London, 1802," focusing on its form, content, and thematic concerns. The analysis explores how Wordsworth uses literary devices to critique 19th-century England and idealize John Milton as a contrasting figure.
- Wordsworth's critique of 19th-century England
- The idealization of John Milton
- Use of form and structure to convey meaning
- The juxtaposition of past and present
- Themes of social criticism and patriotism
Chapter Summaries
Analysis of William Wordsworth's "London, 1802": This analysis delves into William Wordsworth's sonnet "London, 1802," exploring its structure as a Petrarchan sonnet and how this form contributes to its meaning. The analysis closely examines Wordsworth's use of literary devices such as trochees, caesuras, and specific rhyme schemes to emphasize key moments and create a contrast between a decaying England and the idealized figure of John Milton. The sonnet's themes of social criticism, the loss of "inward happiness," and the yearning for a return to virtue and freedom are explored in detail, examining how Wordsworth uses personification, metaphor, and other stylistic choices to express his concerns about England's sociopolitical state. The analysis also highlights the intertextual references to Milton's works and how the poem functions as a call for societal change, placing Wordsworth in a similar patriotic role to Milton. Finally, the analysis considers the juxtaposition of the past (Milton) and the present (19th-century England) and how this contrast underscores the poem's central argument. The idealized portrait of Milton in the sestet is compared and contrasted with the negative portrayal of England in the octave. The analysis examines how stylistic elements such as similes comparing Milton's soul to a star and his voice to the sea contribute to the overall effect. The poem's concluding lines emphasizing Milton's "lowliest duties" are also interpreted as a reflection of Wordsworth's own commitment to social criticism.
Keywords
William Wordsworth, London, 1802, Petrarchan sonnet, John Milton, social criticism, industrialization, capitalism, patriotism, Romantic poetry, literary devices, intertextuality, form and content, "inward happiness," virtue, freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of William Wordsworth's "London, 1802"
What is the main objective of this analysis?
The primary goal is to thoroughly examine William Wordsworth's sonnet "London, 1802," focusing on its structure, content, and thematic concerns. The analysis explores how Wordsworth uses literary devices to critique 19th-century England and contrast it with the idealized figure of John Milton.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include Wordsworth's critique of 19th-century England, the idealization of John Milton, the effective use of form and structure to convey meaning, the juxtaposition of past and present, and the overarching themes of social criticism and patriotism.
What aspects of Wordsworth's "London, 1802" are analyzed in detail?
The analysis delves into the poem's structure as a Petrarchan sonnet, exploring how this form contributes to its meaning. It closely examines Wordsworth's use of literary devices (trochees, caesuras, rhyme schemes) to emphasize key moments and create a contrast between decaying England and the idealized Milton. The analysis also explores themes of social criticism, the loss of "inward happiness," and the yearning for virtue and freedom. It highlights intertextual references to Milton and interprets the poem as a call for societal change, comparing Wordsworth's role to Milton's. Finally, the analysis examines the poem's stylistic elements (similes, metaphors) and the concluding lines, interpreting their significance.
How does the analysis compare and contrast Milton and 19th-century England?
The analysis directly compares the idealized portrait of Milton in the sestet with the negative portrayal of England in the octave. This juxtaposition underscores the poem's central argument, highlighting the stark contrast between the past (represented by Milton) and the present (19th-century England).
What are the key literary devices discussed in the analysis?
The analysis discusses Wordsworth's use of various literary devices, including trochees, caesuras, specific rhyme schemes, personification, metaphor, and similes, to effectively convey his critique of 19th-century England and his idealization of John Milton. The impact of these devices on the overall meaning and effect of the poem is explored.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include: William Wordsworth, London, 1802, Petrarchan sonnet, John Milton, social criticism, industrialization, capitalism, patriotism, Romantic poetry, literary devices, intertextuality, form and content, "inward happiness," virtue, freedom.
- Quote paper
- Hans Niehues (Author), 2014, Analysis of William Wordsworth's "London, 1802", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/323873
