William Wordsworth, a co-founder and representative of Romanticism, wrote “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802” when he was on the way to France with his sister Dorothy Wordsworth. He wanted to meet his illegitimate daughter. In the poem Wordsworth describes the view they observed, when crossing Westminster Bridge during the early morning hours (cf. Mullan 2014). Around this time the Industrial Revolution took place in Great Britain. Thus, the growth of manufacturing and production boosted the industry and promoted the development of new inventions as well as innovations (cf. Britannica online 2019).
Romanticism or the Romantic Period was an artistic and intellectual movement from the late 18th to the mid-19th century which influenced European literature, painting, music as well as architecture. Moreover, the romantic period has put it emphasis on the appreciation of nature and emotional sensitivity of humans. (cf. Ferber 2010). Nevertheless it is uncommon for Wordsworth to write about a city, especially in such a positive tone, since he is a co-founder and important poet of the Romantic period (cf. Mullan 2014).
With this seminar paper I intend to show Wordsworth`s uncommon way of appreciating London as an element of nature in his poem “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge” and how the poet refers to the Industrial Revolution and the Romantic Period. Firstly I plan to briefly summarize the poem and then find out how the atmosphere of the poem is created by analysing its language and use of personification. I will also take a closer look on the poem`s form and how rhetorical figures are being used. This also includes an analysis of the meter, rhyme scheme and its relation to the theme of the poem.
The primary source of this research paper is the poem “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge” itself as it was written by William Wordsworth. For a more in-depth understanding of the material I will use a number of articles, books as well as online sources.
Table of Contents
- A short Introduction
- "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" – Analysis and Interpretation
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this seminar paper is to analyze William Wordsworth's poem "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge," focusing on his unconventional portrayal of London as a natural element and his allusions to the Industrial Revolution and Romanticism. The paper examines the poem's atmosphere, language, personification, form, and rhetorical figures, including meter and rhyme scheme, in relation to its themes.
- Wordsworth's unique depiction of London within a Romantic framework.
- The poem's exploration of the relationship between city and nature.
- The impact of the Industrial Revolution on Wordsworth's perspective.
- Analysis of the poem's stylistic features (language, personification, form).
- The role of time and perspective in shaping the poem's overall meaning.
Chapter Summaries
A short Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Wordsworth's "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge." It provides biographical context, situating the poem's creation within Wordsworth's life and the historical backdrop of the Industrial Revolution and the Romantic movement. The introduction also clearly states the paper's aims: to examine Wordsworth's unusual appreciation of London's natural beauty and his engagement with the broader socio-historical context. It outlines the methodology, indicating an approach that will encompass a close reading of the poem’s language, structure, and use of literary devices, including personification and figurative language, to illuminate the poem's underlying themes.
"Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" – Analysis and Interpretation: This chapter delves into a detailed analysis of Wordsworth's poem. It begins by summarizing the poem's depiction of the beautiful early-morning view from Westminster Bridge. The analysis then focuses on how the poem's atmosphere is created through specific word choices and the use of personification. The chapter also investigates the poem's form, examining the meter, rhyme scheme, and their relationship to the themes. The discussion includes an exploration of the poem's imagery and its depiction of the harmonious relationship between the city and nature, particularly focusing on the lines that emphasize the city's integration into the natural landscape. The role of time is also addressed, highlighting the poem's focus on a specific moment before the bustling activity of the day begins and the contrast this presents to the industrial reality. A crucial aspect of the analysis is the interpretation of the poem's stylistic devices, including hyperbole, simile, and metaphor, to understand how they contribute to the overall effect and meaning.
Keywords
William Wordsworth, Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, Romanticism, Industrial Revolution, London, nature, city, personification, imagery, poetic form, literary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of William Wordsworth's "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge"
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a seminar paper analyzing William Wordsworth's poem, "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge." It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main objectives of the analyzed text?
The main objective is to analyze Wordsworth's poem, focusing on his unconventional portrayal of London as a natural element, his allusions to the Industrial Revolution and Romanticism, and the poem's atmosphere, language, personification, form, and rhetorical figures.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include Wordsworth's unique depiction of London within a Romantic framework; the poem's exploration of the relationship between city and nature; the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Wordsworth's perspective; analysis of the poem's stylistic features (language, personification, form); and the role of time and perspective in shaping the poem's overall meaning.
What does the introduction chapter cover?
The introduction sets the stage by providing biographical context, situating the poem within Wordsworth's life and the historical backdrop of the Industrial Revolution and Romanticism. It states the paper's aims, outlines the methodology (close reading of language, structure, and literary devices), and clarifies the focus on Wordsworth's appreciation of London's natural beauty and engagement with the socio-historical context.
What is covered in the chapter analyzing "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge"?
This chapter offers a detailed analysis of the poem, summarizing its depiction of the early-morning view from Westminster Bridge. It examines the creation of atmosphere through word choice and personification, investigates the poem's form (meter, rhyme scheme), explores imagery and the depicted relationship between city and nature, addresses the role of time, and interprets stylistic devices (hyperbole, simile, metaphor) to understand their contribution to meaning.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include William Wordsworth, Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, Romanticism, Industrial Revolution, London, nature, city, personification, imagery, poetic form, and literary analysis.
What is the structure of the document?
The document is structured with a table of contents, a section outlining the objectives and key themes, chapter summaries for each section, and a list of keywords. This allows for a clear understanding of the scope and content of the full academic paper.
- Quote paper
- Maria Wohlgemuth (Author), 2019, An Analysis and Interpretation of William Wordsworth`s "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512990
