Upon Westminster Bridge

POEM- UPON WESTMINSTER BRIDGE

POET- WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

The poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is composed by William Wordsworth, a great 

romantic poet. It was composed on 3rd September 1802. In this poem Wordsworth talks 

about a wonderful experience he had while crossing the Westminster Bridge early in the 

morning. The Westminster Bridge is built on River Thames. 

The poet is thrilled, as well as, astonished to see the exquisite beauty of London in the 

morning time that had remained unnoticed till now. He gives the description of scene of 

London and River Thames seen from Westminster Bridge early in the morning. In fact, 

London which is a busy city appeared different in the morning. It was far removed from the 

usual noise and activity of the city life. It seems the poet was spell bound to see the splendour 

of lovely morning which was in complete contrast with the bustling and noise of city life.

Early morning brings freshness all over. The earth reveals the beauty and serenity that 

remains eclipsed due to industrial activity initiated by human being in the name of 

development. 

EARTH has not anything to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty:

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 poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is a sonnet in Petrarchan form. In the first eight lines 

of the poem the poet expresses his delight over the pleasant scene and also claims that a 

person who is sensitive could not afford to ignore this beauty, calmness and serenity of 

morning time and pass by. Only callous or dull people can ignore such a touching sight. 

There is no hustle and bustle of the industrial and commercial activities seen as the poet 

crosses over the bridge. In fact, the quiet environment of the city that has spread all over 

seems that the city is wrapped in a garment of silence and beauty of morning time. The ships, 

the towers, the domes, the theatres and the temples lie under the clean and clear sky that is 

showering brightness and glitter all over. Like a true romantic poet, Wordsworth loves and 

enjoys the purity and serenity present in nature. The elaborate description of nature reveals 

his ability of keen observation. Everything was so unusual and exciting for the poet. The rare beauty of early morning which he observes in every aspect of nature leaves him excited and 

enraptured. 

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!

 The way the sun steeps beautifully over the valleys and hill to cast its first splendour 

fill the poet with joy and ecstasy. The city glistens in the morning sunshine that gives the city 

a cool and majestic look. The calmness spread all over is also deep. The river flows without 

any disturbance. As the ships and boats are all standing still and the river’s free will to flow 

remains unhindered. Right from the beginning to the end the poem, the poet shares his 

excitement and praises the unique calmness present in the morning time. In absence of the 

usual activities the city appears to remain calm and still. It seems the city is lying asleep. 

Here, the city of London is compared to a ‘mighty heart’ that is lying still and rendering 

unusual calmness and peace in the environment.

The poet was deeply inspired by the beautiful sight of London in the early morning. 

The unique calmness and beauty portrayed in the poem reveals the poet strong desire for a 

pure and peaceful environment. In a very simple and lucid way Wordsworth describes the 

wonders of morning beauty. The images like ‘garment’, ‘ smokeless air’, ‘first splendour’, 

‘river glideth at his own sweet will’, ‘ houses seem asleep’ and ‘mighty heart is lying still’

truly depict the majestic beauty, as well as, the calmness of the city of London in the early 

morning. The poem as mentioned earlier is in Petrarchan style with an octave and sestet and 

the rhyming pattern is abba,abba, cdc,dcd. 

 

 POINTS TO REMEMBER 

 

Poem: UPON WESTMINSTER BRIDGE

Poet: William Wordsworth

Born: 17 April, 1770

Place: Cockermouth in Cumberland 

Literary Period: Romantic Age

Notable Works:The Prelude, Tintern Abbey, Ode on Intimations of Immortality,

 Solitary Reaper, Upon Westminster Bridge and others.

Historical Context:

French Revolution (1789-1799): The late 18th century was marked by significant social and political upheaval, particularly the French Revolution. Wordsworth initially supported the ideals of the revolution, inspired by the ideas of liberty and equality. However, as the revolution took a more radical turn, he became disillusioned with its violence and excesses.

Industrial Revolution: Wordsworth lived during a time of profound societal change with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The transformation from agrarian and rural societies to industrialized urban centers had a profound impact on the environment and human experience. Wordsworth, in his poetry, often lamented the loss of nature and the simple, pre-industrial way of life.

Romantic Movement: Wordsworth, along with Coleridge, was a key figure in the Romantic literary movement. Romanticism emphasized individualism, imagination, and a deep connection with nature. Wordsworth’s poetry, especially in works like “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” (often known as “Daffodils”), exemplifies these Romantic ideals.

Lyrical Ballads (1798): The publication of “Lyrical Ballads” marked a departure from the neoclassical poetic conventions of the time. The collection included poems that focused on everyday language, common people, and the beauty of nature. Wordsworth’s preface to the second edition, in which he articulated his poetic theory, is considered a seminal Romantic text.

Literary devices

Composed Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth employs various literary devices and a distinctive language style to convey the beauty of London as observed from Westminster Bridge. Here are the details of the literary devices and language used in the poem:

Simile:

Example: “This City now doth, like a garment, wear”

In this line, the city is compared to a garment, suggesting that the beauty of London wraps around it like clothing.

Personification:

Example: “The river glideth at his own sweet will”

The river is personified, given human characteristics, as if it has a will of its own, gliding peacefully.

Metaphor:

Example: “This City now doth, like a garment, wear”

The entire city is metaphorically likened to a garment, emphasizing how the beauty of the city is worn or adorned.

Enjambment:

Example: “And all that mighty heart is lying still!”

Enjambment is used throughout the poem, creating a flowing and uninterrupted rhythm, contributing to the sense of calm and tranquility.

Imagery:

Example: “Ships, towers, domes, theaters, and temples lie”

The poem is rich in visual imagery, painting a vivid picture of the cityscape by mentioning specific elements like ships, towers, domes, theaters, and temples.

Hyperbole:

Example: “Earth has not anything to show more fair”

The statement that “Earth has not anything more fair” is a hyperbolic expression of the poet’s admiration for the beauty of London, emphasizing its unparalleled magnificence.

Alliteration:

Example: “Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!”

The repetition of the “n” sound in “Ne’er saw I, never felt” creates a sense of calm and tranquility through alliteration.

Repetition:

Example: “Dear God! the very houses seem asleep”

The repetition of the exclamatory phrase “Dear God!” adds emphasis to the poet’s emotional response to the scene, underlining his awe.

Paradox:

Example: “And never did the sun more beautifully steep”

The notion that the sun can “steep” or immerse the city in beauty is paradoxical, as it combines the idea of sunlight and beauty in an unexpected way.

Plain Language:

Wordsworth employs plain and accessible language, adhering to his belief in using common language to communicate with a wide audience. This simplicity enhances the poem’s clarity and makes it relatable.

Diction:

The choice of words, such as “smokeless air,” “glideth,” and “bare, open,” contributes to the sensory and visual impact of the poem, enhancing the reader’s ability to picture the scene.