Therefore it is necessary for me to explore the different techniques and meanings behind each poem. 'A London Fete' which was written in 1890 by Coventry Patmore

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Pamela Austin

Pre- Twentieth century poetry.

Introduction:

For this piece of coursework, I will be comparing two pre- twentieth century poems, both of which composed by familiar poets. The poems were written at different time periods; therefore it is necessary for me to explore the different techniques and meanings behind each poem.

‘A London Fete’ which was written in 1890 by Coventry Patmore, postdates the events at a public execution.  In this poem, Patmore describes an execution and the effects it has on those watching. He chooses to focus on the surroundings and atmosphere rather than the pain felt by the condemned.

        The other poem, which I will be comparing, is a romantic sonnet written by William Wordsworth, ‘Composed Upon Westminster Bridge.’ He reflects upon the inspiration of urban London and the cultural symbols as he experiences it from Westminster Bridge. It’s characteristic of his love for solitude that it is set in the early morning.  Throughout the poem he is telling the reader that there is no scene better in the world than this one upon Westminster Bridge. The poem definitely captures the spirit of romanticism and reflects the ideology of William Wordsworth.

The public at the execution in Patmores’ poem appear to believe that justice has been served.

“To windows, where, in freedom sweet, others enjoy the wicked treat.”

If they disagreed with the execution they wouldn’t have been enjoying the scene. This contrasts with the opinions of people in today’s society, as they view execution as being against all human rights.  

        However, the other poem doesn’t give direct views from the public but we can tell the authors opinions of them.

“The very houses seem asleep: And all that mighty heart is lying still”

Here, the poet is using personification by referring the people of London to a ‘Mighty‘ heart. A heart is a positive thing because it gives life, without it we wouldn’t be alive. London wouldn’t be ‘London’ without the people that make it alive. Both publics are described differently.

‘A London Fete’ is set in Newgate which is a prison situated in London.

“With echoes Newgate’s granite clanged: the scaffold built at eight o’clock.”

This tells us that this execution happened the day after the scaffold was constructed. The fact that it was held in the day would have meant that it was clearer for the public to witness the hanging, being able to see every bit of pain the prisoner experienced. Having a prison as a setting would suggest that it’s daunting and hot along with claustrophobic effects due to the large crowds that have gathered.

        The setting of Wordsworths’ poem differs from that of Patmores‘.

“Never did the sun more beautifully steep…’’

This poem is set in the morning where there is no bustle and noise. This simply enforces the stillness, silence and angelic perfection of London at a sunrise. The poet doesn’t only want the reader to notice the sunrise, but he wants one to be absorbed by the suns warm rays and feel relaxed, taking a breathe of fresh clean air.

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This setting differs from the other poem as he is alone and there is no noise being made by crowds.

Furthermore, the poet of ‘A London Fete’ creates a negative mood in the way that he describes the actions of the crowd.

‘’Mothers held up their babies to see, who spread their hands and crowed with glee…’’

This creates deleterious images of people enjoying the punishment and the desire for their babies to witness the horrific scene.  A mood of wickedness and evil is emphasised, providing the reader a feeling of despair as little ones are held up ...

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