Sonnet Composed Upon West Minster Bridge
Reference to the Context Introduction
The given lines are
an extract from the poem Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge written by
William Words Worth. The poet describes and appreciates the beauty and tranquil
atmosphere of the city of London as he looks at it in the early hours of
morning. He considers it to be the most splendid, wonderful and charming sight
in the world and believes that every one is bound to be impressed by it.
Lines
EARTH HAS NOT ANY
THING TO SHOW MORE FAIR:
DULL WOULD HE BE OF SOUL WHO COULD PASS BY
A SIGHT SO TOUCHING IN ITS MAJESTY:
DULL WOULD HE BE OF SOUL WHO COULD PASS BY
A SIGHT SO TOUCHING IN ITS MAJESTY:
Explanation
As the poet stands
upon the Westminster Bridge at dawn, he admires the beauty of the city of
London. According to him, it is the most charming sight in the world. He feels
that no onlooker can remain unimpressed by it. However, if one is not affected
by the beauty and tranquility of the sight, it implies that he has lost all
aesthetic sense and is devoid of all finer emotions.
Lines
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.
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.
Explanation
The poet describes
the city as he observes it in the early hours of the day. The city of London
seems to be wearing the dress of beauty and serenity. Everything can be seen
clearly sparkling in the fog less surrounding. While standing on the bridge,
the poet can observe the ships sailing, the towers and domes of buildings, the
different places of worship and amusement. Since the atmosphere is free from
smoke and pollution, everything seems to be dazzling in the rays of the rising
sun.
Lines
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!
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!
Explanation
The city of London
appears to be colored with golden tint of the majestic sun. The rays of the sun
cover even the valleys and hills around the cosmopolitan city. The poet points
out that he has not experienced such a peaceful atmosphere in his life.
Moreover, he has never come across such an appealing and impressive view. He
sees the River Thames flowing gently and smoothly under the bridge. He realizes
that the entire city seems to be sounding asleep. All the places that are full
of hustle and bustle and hectic activity are at this time serene and peaceful.
London being the heart of England is bubbling with life and activity but at
dawn, it appears to be at rest and presents a wonderful picture of unrivalled
charm and tranquility.
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