How do Blake and Wordsworth portray London in their poems? What similarities and differences are there?

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How do Blake and Wordsworth portray London in their poems? What similarities and differences are there?

I am writing this essay comparing William Wordsworth poem ‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge’ and William Blake’s poem ‘London’. They are two completely different poems looking at different perspectives and points of London. But they still have similarities as well as differences! What are they?

One of the main differences between the two poems is the difference in perspective. The place is a major example of this – Wordsworth is in Westminster bridge and can only spot big/great and positive things about London, he can’t see people but can see landscapes and buildings, the title tells us a lot about this (‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge’). While Blake is on the streets of London, looking deeper at things. He is also able to spot people and their expressions unlike Wordsworth (the phrase ‘Midnight streets’ gives us the idea).  

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Another difference in perspective is Blake’s poem is written at ‘Midnight’, this is the time when most of the poor and bad are around. Wordsworth’s is written his poem in the early morning while most are sleeping, (‘The beauty of the morning’ and ‘Houses seem asleep’). This is a main difference between the poems; this has also determined which view of London poets/we are getting.

Another difference is the view of London both poems are giving. Wordsworth’s poem targets London as an excellent majestic and peaceful landscape. It mainly looks at London as a landscape. Phrases such as Ships, ...

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