Wordsworth’s Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802

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Wordsworth’s Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 The sonnet, “Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802,” shows Wordsworth’s appreciating the beauty of London and demonstrating it as “emotion recollected in tranquility.” It’s characteristic of his love for solitude that it is set in the early morning when there is no bustle and noise. Wordsworth is in awe of the scenic beauty of the morning sun radiating from London’s great architectural marvels. However, there are numerous religious connotations throughout this poem. This is indicated in his choice of the words: “dull,” “soul,” and “majesty” in the following lines, “Dull would he be of soul who could not pass by A sight so touching in its majesty; This City…” The word “majesty” portrays “This City” as anointed by God to represent his kingdom on Earth. Dead in spirit would one be if he of she was not moved or appreciated its beauty. Wordsworth also uses the word “temple” a few lines down. He could have written church. The word “temple” was used to enhance the belief that the city was chosen by God. ...

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