" How is London portrayed in the poems 'Composed upon Westminster Bridge' and 'London'?

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“ How is London portrayed in the poems ‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge’ and ‘London’?

William Wordsworth poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge written in 1904 looks at the positive side of London city and it natural Beauty. Whereas William Blake wrote London in 1794, the poem is negative towards authority and politics.

The theme of the two poems is the city of London and how different people preserve it.

“All bright and glittering in the smokeless air” (line 8) is a romantic view of the city of London. William Blake’s perception is different.

“Marks of weakness, marks of woe” (line 4) shows that London is corrupt and unhappy.

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The two poets, hence, have contrasting views of the city London. Wordsworth view is positive, focusing on the natural and man made beauty of the city. But on the other hand, Blake’s poem dives deeper into a darker side of politics, prostitution and corrupted crocked people.

The imagery used to express the themes is vivid and draws a picture in your head. Wordsworth poem draws flawless images of peace and harmony whereas Blake’s poem draws images of blood, bribes and evil.

The form and structure of the two poems are very different. William Wordsworth writes in prose opposed ...

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