Composed Upon Westminster Bridge - Poets often express great enthusiasm in their poetry. Show how Wordsworth does this in the poem.

He describes the various monuments surrounding him as he sits upon Westminster Bridge and he comments on how everything is now clear and open for the public to see. He says, "Open unto the fields, and to the sky; Ships, towers" (Line 7). By writing this, Wordsworth makes it a point to tell the audience that London is still worth coming to see and it still is as beautiful as ever. This is when Wordsworth scans through the view of London, perhaps in his sight, the Buckingham Palace, which is a very important part of London.

He uses punctuation marks in every second line and it gives a smooth yet fast flow to the feel of the poem. However, the poem creates a subtle atmosphere.

Wordsworth uses an exclamation mark to point out to us his strong opinion as he says "Dear God!" (Line 13) This suggests that he is trying to let the audience know about something he feels strongly about. This shows interest and enthusiasm in the subject. Here, not only does the punctuation make a statement but also the words "Dear God!" itself show that Wordsworth has a strong sense of feeling for the subject.

Throughout this poem, Wordsworth shows us the passion he has for London and his true feelings start to appear as he says, "dull would he be a soul who could pass by" (Line 9). Wordsworth wrote this to tell us that if someone passes by without noticing the beauty of London, it wouldn't be right. And in line 9 "never did the sun more beautifully steep"

Wordsworth has written this poem in such a way it rhymes every 2 sentences in other words, rhyming couplets. For example in lines 5 and 6, "wear" and "bare". This gives a continuous upbeat to the poem and again shows enthusiasm.

Over all, William Wordsworth has portrayed a very real picture of London through words and he has given the poem a soft atmosphere. A very intense poem of the radiant picture London has put in front of him. As he writes "The City now doth in garment wear". Perhaps he is trying to tell he audience London shines like royal clothing as the sun shines onto the city. Although Wordsworth portrays London in different aspects, they all indicate the same point, his enthusiasm and interest in London.

In my opinion, William Wordsworth has a lot of passion in writing especially in this poem. He tries to make a positive point about London. The poem, though a slightly complicated poem on the first read, will make an impact as you begin to understand the true meaning to it. He has developed a sense of calmness to the poem.

Tan Mui Pin - 10L - 5/5/07