Comparative Poetry Essay

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19th Century Poetry Essay Compare Wordsworth’s, Composed upon Westminster Bridge and Blake’s, London. You may like to consider the differences in perspective, time of day, sights and sounds. What do these poems suggest about each poet’s view of London? In their poems Composed upon Westminster Bridge (September 3rd 1802) and London (1794) both Wordsworth and Blake are clearly describing their interpretation of the city of London yet upon comparison they appear to be seeing two completely different cities. To understand why this is the case we must first look at the technical effects Wordsworth and Blake apply and how they are used to reflect their perception of London, we must also explore the link with the time of day and whether it merely contributed to their view at the time or if it was a deliberate choice and finally we need to analysis the visual and audio nature of each poem to recognise the effects achieved by both. It’s important to understand how Wordsworth and Blake use technical effects such as structure, pace and tone to control the mood that is portrayed in each poem. Wordsworth’s structuring of Composed upon Westminster Bridge is set out in Petrarchan sonnet form, which is commonly used by poets as a declaration of love for someone; this instantly helps the reader ascertain Wordsworth’s feeling toward the city and gives a positive mood for the poem while also allowing it to flow at a natural pace. Throughout the poem Wordsworth emphasises the theme of nature and even though London holds towers, cathedrals and theatres he inserts the city into the scenery as if it is as natural as the fields that surround it which gives the reader a feeling of tranquillity and peace that is not commonly associated with capital cities. Wordsworth also uses some more subtle techniques to bring the poem to life and make his affection for this city relatable such as

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