William Wordsworth:Upon the Westminster Bridge

ByName: Parth BhattRoll no. 2Sem. 2Paper: E-C- 201:

The Romantic Literature

Upon The Westminster Bridge

• Romantic Movement• 1802 England• Science vs. Nature• Revolution in thought and expression: rustic

life• Industrialization

Upon the Westminster Bridge

• Let us have a look at the poem

Structure: Octave

1. Earth has not anything to show more fair: (a)2. Dull would he be of soul who could pass by (b)3. A sight so touching in its majesty: (b)4. This City now doth like a garment wear (a)

5. The beauty of the morning: silent, bare, (a)6. Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie (b)7. Open unto the fields, and to the sky, (b)8. All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. (a)

Conti..

• Sestet1.Never did sun more beautifully steep (C)2.In his first splendour valley, rock, or hill; (D)3.Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! (C)

4.The river glideth at his own sweet will: (D)5.Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; (C)6.And all that mighty heart is lying still! (D)

Upon the Westminster Bridge

Themes, Language and Imagery

• Nature dominates• Natural scenery of London and not the

negative aspect of it• Calmness and tranquility• Pathetic fallacy• E.g. Earth is personified with capital E.

Conclusion

• Morning glory• E.g. "touching in its majesty”• Smokeless air• The sleeping beauty of the city• The mighty heart begins to beat only when its

lying still.

Thank you

• The presentation is submitted to Dept. of English, Bhavnagar