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 to William Blake who writes in structured negative verses.
“Earth” (line 1) opposed to “ I Wonder onto each character’d street” (line 1) are different, indicated by the punctuation mark
The colon enables the writer to continue the and develop their ideas in the poem as colons are used generally to start a list or add explanations whereas a comma is used to develop an idea in more structure way in poetry, generally leading to a new line.
William Wordsworth poem “composed upon Westminster Bridge” does not follow a rhyme scheme but William Blake’s “London” poem follows a rhyme scheme.
William Wordsworth poem flows trying to keep the romantic rhythm going whereas William Blake’s is more sutured and following a rhyme scheme.
Both poems are enriched with various language patterns that enhance our reading and improve on Wordsworth showing his feelings for London in a figurative way.
“This city… morning” (line 4/5)
Blake uses a more abstract style using people and buildings of London to present the intentions they are associated with.
“How the chimney… appals” (line 9/10)
Using personification, Wordsworth’s brings the city alive, taking the beauty of the morning. Blake uses imagery and alliteration to highlight the suffering of the city’s people. He is attacking the Church.
Wordsworth poem has a natural message of how a city can expand. He has no political messages. However, Blake’s poem has a view that is negative, highlighting corruption and hierarchy.
“ Never saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!” (Line 11)
Wordsworth celebrates the natural beauty and achievements of man. Blake’s states
“In every voice in every born,
The mind for manacles I hear! (Line 7/8)
This message is strongly indicating a falling community, shackled in poverty.
Wordsworth poem uses language very well and effectively,
I like both of the poems because they evoke strong images into my mind about London and how much it has changed, I also like the way they are structered and there rhyme and rhythm pattern goes.