William Wordsworth's poem "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a celebration of the beauty and majesty of London as seen from the Westminster Bridge. Wordsworth was known for his love of nature and his belief in the power of the natural world to inspire and uplift the human spirit. In this poem, he uses the sights and sounds of the city to convey a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around him.
The poem begins with a description of the city as it appears at dawn, with the morning sun illuminating the "dome of St. Paul's" and the "valleys, rocks, and hills" that surround it. Wordsworth marvels at the beauty of the city, noting that it is "calm and silent" and that "every face" seems to be "washed with a bath of complete forgetfulness." This sense of peacefulness and tranquility is enhanced by the "smokeless air" and the "sweet airs" that fill the city, creating an atmosphere of purity and cleanliness.
As the poem progresses, Wordsworth turns his attention to the various landmarks and buildings that make up the city. He describes the "ships, towers, domes, theaters, and temples" that dot the landscape, each one contributing to the overall sense of grandeur and majesty. He also pays tribute to the "human form divine" that he sees all around him, noting that the people of the city are "every face" a "mirror of the morning sun."
Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, Wordsworth finds a sense of peace and serenity on the Westminster Bridge. He writes that "the river glideth at his own sweet will" and that the "beauties of the morning" have a calming effect on him. This sense of calm is further enhanced by the fact that the city is still sleeping, with the "silent streets" and "every cry of every man" yet to be heard.
In the final stanza of the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the enduring beauty of the city, writing that it will "never fade" and that it will always be a source of inspiration and wonder. He concludes by stating that the city is a "joy forever" and that it is a "vision of the world" that will always remain in his heart.
Overall, "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802" is a tribute to the beauty and majesty of the city of London as seen through the eyes of William Wordsworth. Through his use of vivid imagery and poetic language, Wordsworth conveys a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, and celebrates the enduring beauty of the city that he loves.